adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ˈfiːndɪʃ/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:F IY1 N D IH0 SH
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Sinister; evil; like a fiend.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
The detective was puzzled by the fiendish plot to steal the diamonds.
She had a fiendish smile that hinted at a cunning plan.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: conniving
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Very difficult.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
The exam was filled with fiendish questions that made no sense.
a fiendish crossword puzzle
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adjective satellite
Meaning 3
extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
something demonic in him--something that could be cruel
fires lit up a diabolic scene
diabolical sorcerers under the influence of devils
Etymology tree English fiend Proto-Indo-European *-iskos Proto-Germanic *-iskaz Proto-West Germanic *-isk Old English -isċ Middle English -ish English -ish English fiendish From fiend + -ish.
Across languages
Translations
32 source translations are retained for this English entry.
