devious

adjective

ˈdē-vē-əs How to pronounce devious (audio)
Definition of deviousnext
1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means we always left it to our most devious friends to find out the latest information

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in twisted
marked by a long series of irregular curves a devious trail through the swampland

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unnatural
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal her behavior is devious because of a developmental disorder

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of devious Perhaps Munro’s most popular role is as Betty’s devious dad, Hal Cooper, on Riverdale. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026 Jeremy Strong is very good at playing devious men with very deep pockets. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026 While some believe that Trump is merely the conduit for devious legal advisors, his legal advisors say otherwise, giving Trump the credit for pushing them to try unorthodox angles. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 9 June 2026 Interruptions can also be undertaken by AI with a more devious intention. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
  1. cunning
  2. twisted
  3. unnatural
  4. cute
  5. winding
  6. abnormal
  7. subtle
  8. curved
Adjective
  • With the correct number of dots, no arrangement, however cunning, can dodge these shapes forever.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The simplest way to protect them from being ripped off by a cunning adversary is to get the customer in a queue and serve them your special magic on your terms.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • The twisted copper can therefore act somewhat like a filter for electron spin.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Farnaby took to social media to get everything completely un-twisted.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of twisted
Adjective
  • When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But the internet is fake, and people communicate to one another there in a way that is wholly unnatural.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Get the perfect lowkey look by pairing it with sneakers and a sun hat, then swap out your shoes for cute sandals and a cardigan in the evening.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Their cute, elderly golden retriever, Cassie, is used for such baldly emotionally manipulative ends.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026
Definition of winding
Adjective
  • Combine this wanderlust with increasingly abnormal weather patterns and rapidly warming ocean waters, and sightings of these tropical birds can increase.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Wild week Mize did not acknowledge how abnormal the past six or seven days have been until he was asked about it a couple times following last night’s game.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of abnormal
Adjective
  • The herbal shiso adds a subtle savory depth, delivering a clean, refreshing balance to the textures and flavor.
    — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ask someone to review a two-hour video and identify subtle violations, and they are almost guaranteed to miss something.
    — Tal Lev-Ami, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • This pretty T-shirt features a V-neckline, sheer short sleeves, and a curved hem that’s easy to tuck into the waistband of your favorite jeans or pants.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Shops at North Bridge features retailers occupying a curved arcade that connects Nordstrom to Michigan Avenue.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of curved

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Cite this Entry

“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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