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devil's advocate

[dev-uhlz ad-vuh-kit] / ˈdɛv əlz ˈæd və kɪt /


NOUN
opponent for the sake of it
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He does not need me to defend his honor or his single status, but while I may as well play devil’s advocate.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

In her first SCiLL class, Allen said, “There were definitely people who’d signed up to play devil’s advocate in what they assumed would be a conservative class.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

News website Ukrayinska Pravda even called him "the devil's advocate".

From BBC • May 24, 2025

But when he landed in Duplin County, N.C., seeking the experience the entire book was predicated upon, he initially played devil’s advocate, asking himself, “Is this as bad as they’re making out?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2022

He never played devil’s advocate or told me what I was feeling was wrong, the way Stephen Kellner did.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram



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