evil
Usage
What are other ways to say evil?
Evil applies to that which violates or leads to the violation of moral law: evil practices. Ill now appears mainly in certain fixed expressions, with a milder implication than that in evil: ill will; ill-natured. Wicked implies willful and determined doing of what is very wrong: a wicked plan. Bad is the broadest and simplest term: a bad man; bad habits.
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.
To return to the historical evidence, the weakening of political and economic institutions is usually enough for the evil deed to be done.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
With few words, Kuznetsov projects such decency and conviction that he recalls any number of virtuous fictional lawyers of yesteryear who stood up to evil.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
By that time it was seen as the lesser evil for the industry.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
“They think we’re these evil business owners,” she said, shuddering.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
A horrible, huge orange face with an evil grin was staring directly at me.
From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
