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
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Recent Examples of devious
As the series goes on, Jax morphs from a generally good-hearted guy into a violent, devious antihero.
—
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Still, self-censorship is the most devious concocter of self-deceit.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Another season of The Traitors is here — which means a new group of devious celebrities has been chosen to wreak havoc in the castle.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Liongate just greenlit a sequel film based on the second book in Freida McFadden’s trilogy series, The Housemaid’s Secret, with Sydney Sweeney returning as the devious maid, Millie Calloway.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devious
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Still, self-censorship is the most devious concocter of self-deceit.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Another season of The Traitors is here — which means a new group of devious celebrities has been chosen to wreak havoc in the castle.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Liongate just greenlit a sequel film based on the second book in Freida McFadden’s trilogy series, The Housemaid’s Secret, with Sydney Sweeney returning as the devious maid, Millie Calloway.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
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While people born in the year of the snake are seen as charismatic, intelligent, and artistic, they are also often considered cunning and mysterious.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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And Halston has a cunning plan.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Nasher includes one of John Chamberlain’s sculptures assembled from twisted metal parts, and a motorized Jean Tinguely contraption of miscellaneous rusty metal bits.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
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So, sitting here now, three decades later, an inappropriate joke about ICE felt like a twisted way to cope with the stress of what has been unfolding.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Standard techniques designed for straight hair may increase the risk of linear scars and low graft survival, which lends to an overall unnatural appearance.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
Freep.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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The beauty of his images, amid unnatural constraints, isn’t a matter of style but of natural force.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Score top wardrobe picks like an everyday V-neck tee ($9), memory foam fuzzy slippers ($6), and an effortlessly cute workout skirt ($8).—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
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Yes, that innocent activity at which your grandparents might’ve met cute – square dancing – is having a moment here in the Bay Area.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Cherry unveiled like a mood overture: Every winding synth line, chopped vocal shard, and sudden genre swerve felt like a distinct scene—time-traveling without losing a grip on the floor.—
Gio Santiago,
Pitchfork,
12 Feb. 2026
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And every stop along the winding road of his life, from musical wunderkind to business and community leader, has shaped how this Flossmoor resident approaches life.—
Jim Dudlicek,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Other types included in the new report are heart failure, when the heart struggles to fill with and pump blood; atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm; and stroke.—
Barbara Mantel,
NBC news,
25 Feb. 2026
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Chronic overconsumption and inactivity lead to excess body fat (especially in the abdominal region), resulting in insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and early kidney dysfunction.—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Sleek lines, warm wood tones and moody, dark finishes create a space that feels contemporary and intimate, with subtle nods to the building’s artistic past in the art hanging on the walls curated from local Denver artists.—
Sara Rosenthal,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
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Minimal, low-profile, and finished with a subtle platform sole, these Pumas are the sneakers that go from museum-hopping to dinner reservations without missing a beat.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The planned location is on the south side of Cedar Road, near Bruce Road, on a curved street.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
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Why Specialization Matters Afro hair transplantation is not a routine procedure, since the curved follicle structure and dense texture require precision and an understanding of how Afro hair behaves both under the skin and after growth, which requires skill and experience.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
Freep.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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