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Definition of diabolic

diabolic

/ˌdaɪ.əˈbɑː.lɪk/
di · a · bol · ic
Adverb:diabolically
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diabolic Lexical Profile

diabolic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely evil, cruel, or wicked; outrageously malevolent or cunning.

Example

"The villain hatched a diabolic plot to bankrupt the entire town for his own financial gain."

2

Relating to, characteristic of, or proceeding from the devil; demonic.

Example

"The medieval manuscript contained vivid illustrations of diabolic creatures tormenting lost souls."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for diabolic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for diabolic

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'diabolic' and 'diabolical' are interchangeable in most contexts, 'diabolical' is much more common in everyday speech, whereas 'diabolic' is often preferred in formal or theological contexts.

• Rhymes for diabolic

• Nearby Words

diabetes
diabetic
diablo
diabolic
diabolical
diabolically
diadem

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'diabolique', via Late Latin 'diabolicus', from Ancient Greek 'diabolikos', derived from 'diabolos' meaning 'accuser, slanderer, or devil' (literally 'one who throws across').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Diabolic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/diabolic
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