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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devious
Her real reason is revealed: to avenge her father's death, by taking vengeance on the Grayson family, who is led by the devious Victoria (Madeleine Stowe).
—
Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Richard Armitage is unforgettable as the devious Nick, and his narration will, at points, make the hair on the back of your neck tingle.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Photo: Jake Giles Netter/HBO How can any single television character be expected to face off against both Megan Mullally and a devious primate at the same time?
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 1 May 2025
After Joe secured his fourth immunity win, the two Ks hatched a devious plan of trying to convince Joe that Shauhin was flipping.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Richard Armitage is unforgettable as the devious Nick, and his narration will, at points, make the hair on the back of your neck tingle.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Photo: Jake Giles Netter/HBO How can any single television character be expected to face off against both Megan Mullally and a devious primate at the same time?
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 1 May 2025
After Joe secured his fourth immunity win, the two Ks hatched a devious plan of trying to convince Joe that Shauhin was flipping.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
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With wit and cunning, the protagonists navigate the ever-present systems of oppression that encircle them and their relationships.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
-
President Trump does not exhibit Bismarck’s cunning, inscrutability, or proclivity for complicated diplomacy.—
Charles C. W. Cooke,
National Review,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Like Squid Game, Dead Set juxtaposes familiar cultural symbols and settings with grim, inevitable explosions of blood, straddling the line between twisted, compelling drama and a sobering reminder of violence lurking in our present society.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Per the game’s twisted rules, there had to be one death per round, so Gi-hun ended up sacrificing himself in heart-rendering fashion so the baby, who had taken on Jun-hee’s Player 222 role, could survive.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Because the bear started seeking out an unnatural food source, it was euthanized for safety reasons, officials said.—
Helena Wegner,
Idaho Statesman,
27 June 2025
-
For too long, sunscreen hasn’t worked for melanin-rich skin—leaving behind white casts, greasy residue, or an unnatural gray tint.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Amazon is stocked with tons of cute coin purses that capture the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese street style.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 June 2025
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Pair this long-line padded sports bra crop tank with a pair of leggings for a cute athletic look.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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During his speech, Kissel made winding references to railroads, attorneys’ fees, scratch-off tickets, casinos, Hartford, car fatalities, troopers, eye-hand coordination, Jack LaLanne, Methuselah, the Bible, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
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One way that’s easy to manifest is through maximalist bedding with punchy colors, big stripes, and winding patterns.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Mice studies suggest that activating these receptors may cut off oxygen supply to the retina, promoting the abnormal blood vessel growth that leads to nAMD.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
20 June 2025
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Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid, an abnormal substance which form sticky plaques on the brain which may result in death of brain cells.—
Robert Glatter,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Now, another unusual way to grab hiring managers attention is going viral: Sneaking your resume into a box of donuts.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
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Three corners of the brownie remained in tact, but the missing chunk from the center has left the brownie looking pretty unusual, sparking plenty of amused comments from viewers.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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