What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diabolical
Example
The villain's diabolical plan was to destroy the city with a giant laser. [diabolical: adjective]
Example
She had a diabolical laugh that sent shivers down my spine. [diabolical: adjective]
Example
The puzzle was so diabolical that it took me hours to solve. [diabolical: adjective]
evil
Example
The evil queen ordered the huntsman to kill Snow White. [evil: noun]
Example
He had an evil grin on his face as he plotted his revenge. [evil: adjective]
Example
The storm caused widespread destruction and brought evil winds. [evil: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Evil is more commonly used than diabolical in everyday language. Evil is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of things, while diabolical is less common and is often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diabolical and evil?
Both diabolical and evil are negative words that are typically associated with an informal or dramatic tone. However, diabolical may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and more specific connotation.