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Like the word devil, "diabolical" traces back to Latin diabolus, which itself descends from Greek diabolos, a word that literally means "slanderer." In English, "diabolical" has many nuances of meaning. It can describe the devil himself (as in "my diabolical visitor") or anything related to or characteristic of him in appearance, behavior, or thought; examples include "diabolical lore," "a diabolical grin," and "a diabolical plot." In British slang, "diabolical" can also mean "disgraceful" or "bad," as in "the food was diabolical."
Examples of diabolical in a Sentence
Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025
Theologian, pastor and writer, Bonhoeffer had a role in a scheme to remove Hitler from power because of Hitler’s diabolical persecution of Jews and others.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker will reportedly portray the husband of Streep’s diabolical fashion magazine maven Miranda Priestly.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
These diabolical onslaughts are further weaponized by the reckless defunding of scientific and medical research and the undermining of public libraries (including the Library of Congress), museums, and other cultural institutions.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Diabolical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabolical. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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diabolical
adjective
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