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.

What kind of Svengali powers — what kind of Mephistophelean charisma — might this aging Modesto defense attorney possess?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2021

Often behind a parapet of drums, Mr. Baker’s Mephistophelean stage presence, combined with his remarkably tasteful drumming, elevated the rock drummer from faceless metronome to percussive demigod.

From Washington Post • Oct. 6, 2019

This was the heyday of the Mephistophelean eight-time prime minister Giulio Andreotti, the surge of Enrico Berlinguer’s communists, mafia wars in Palermo and Naples, and exotic soccer scandals.

From The Guardian • Apr. 3, 2017

Mr. Jones, with his gravelly baritone and Mephistophelean sprig of beard, makes a strikingly sinister-looking Richard.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2012

Just as he approached the crossing where the accident occurred he turned his head, and I don't think I ever saw a more Mephistophelean countenance.

From Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York A Series of Stories and Sketches Portraying Many Singular Phases of Metropolitan Life by Beard, Harry