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diabolical

[dahy-uh-bol-i-kuhl] / ˌdaɪ əˈbɒl ɪ kəl /


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.

Product designers are coming up with novel ways to rouse deep sleepers that border on diabolical, including clocks that deliver 300-volt electric shocks and donate snoozers’ money to charity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Why it’s vital: Never underestimate the power of seeing an intelligent, moral character triumph in the face of overwhelming challenges brought on by diabolical forces.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

"In the midst of the fear of my grandmother's health and well-being this was diabolical, this was shambolic, that the first person to contact me was describing this as a 'wee incident'."

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

“You needed her to be diabolical in order to show what really was happening there,” says Davidtz.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

Nor did they hear the small mouselike noises of disbelief and outrage that issued from the napkin as Roscuro went on unfolding, step by step, his diabolical plan to bring the princess to darkness.

From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo




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