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
In addition to The Wizard of Oz, he’s best remembered for The Ray Bolger Show (1953–1955) and for playing the devious Barnaby in the original Babes in Toyland (1961) film.
—
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025
Here’s why that’s nothing more than a devious trick that exploits several problems with our modern communication landscape.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Four years ago, the Panama Papers, a massive leak of documents from the law firm Mossack Fonseca, revealed how the rich and devious evade taxes and launder profits through opaque offshore shell companies.
—Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The news is met with outrage by Krystal (Anissa Borrego), her ditzy but loyal star flyer, and with histrionic despair by her secretly devious assistant coach, named Tammy Istiny.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025
Here’s why that’s nothing more than a devious trick that exploits several problems with our modern communication landscape.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Four years ago, the Panama Papers, a massive leak of documents from the law firm Mossack Fonseca, revealed how the rich and devious evade taxes and launder profits through opaque offshore shell companies.
—Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The news is met with outrage by Krystal (Anissa Borrego), her ditzy but loyal star flyer, and with histrionic despair by her secretly devious assistant coach, named Tammy Istiny.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
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Varner described the creatures as diabolically cunning, destructive, and nocturnal.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
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The show followed Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a former British military officer who goes undercover to help take down Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), a cunning, amoral arms dealer helping to destabilize the Middle East.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some of the trees stand as much as 140-feet, while others are twisted and bent due to rocky soil and lack of sunlight.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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All that remained was now a gray field of ash and twisted metal, almost unrecognizable even in form.—
Jonathan Taplin,
Rolling Stone,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
31 Dec. 2025
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The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Ariana Grande made a cute face while taking a pic with Steven Spielberg.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Jump on the trend early with this cute, hands-free Michael Kors crossbody bag.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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More broadly, its long and winding path back into the spotlight is a reminder that preparedness depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on whether those breakthroughs are carried forward before opportunity is lost.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 Dec. 2025
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But Taylor treated the whole show — era to era — as the long and winding tale of her life, growing up in public through her music.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The new guidance reflects the latest research showing that HPV tests, compared to Pap smears, can increase the detection of abnormal cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 Jan. 2026
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Kickers often have an abnormal route to high-level football.—
Ren Clayton,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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With her signature long waves gathered into a subtle bun at the nape of her neck, this style puts the focus on the sculptural wave framing Seyfried's face opposite a deep side part.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
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Grande wore a glossy pink shade on her lips, sculpted cheeks with subtle shimmer, and long lashes.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Further, this development enhances the potential of renewable energy by unlocking perovskite’s ability to be printed onto flexible surfaces, such as curved windows, lightweight camping gear, and even clothing fabrics.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
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Then Kim brings another rock from behind his back, a small, curved black stone.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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