fiendish
word
Definition
Extremely cruel, wicked, or evil, like a demon; it can also describe something very difficult or tricky.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal or literary. Often used for cruel actions or people ('a fiendish plot'), but can also mean extremely difficult ('a fiendish puzzle'). Not a casual insult—strong, dramatic tone.
Spanish: diabólico - endemoniadoPortuguese (BR): demoníaco - diabólicoPortuguese (PT): demoníaco - diabólicoChinese (Simplified): 恶魔般的 - 狡猾的（难以对付）Chinese (Traditional): 惡魔般的 - 狡猾的（難以對付）Hindi: शैतानी - कठिनArabic: شيطاني - خبيث
Example Sentences
The villain had a fiendish plan to take over the city.
basic
This math puzzle is fiendish—I can't solve it!
basic
The cookies have a fiendish amount of chocolate in them.
basic
She gave me a fiendish grin when she won the game.
natural
That's a fiendish schedule—how do you handle all those meetings?
natural
Don’t be fooled by her kind face—she can be fiendish when she wants to win.
natural