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
The central problem in American politics is not a matter of devious leaders, foreign intrigue or sectional rivalries — things that will always exist.
—
Robert A. Strong, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
Steller’s jays are more than a little bit devious, using their ability to mimic hawk calls to gain an advantage over a food source.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
Gellar played Merteuil, the wealthy, popular and devious Upper East Sider.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Yet the movie works by toying with our sympathies in devious and unpredictable ways.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Robert A. Strong, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
Steller’s jays are more than a little bit devious, using their ability to mimic hawk calls to gain an advantage over a food source.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
Gellar played Merteuil, the wealthy, popular and devious Upper East Sider.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Yet the movie works by toying with our sympathies in devious and unpredictable ways.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
-
Michelle is more cunning, figuring out how to play these two to her whims, while Teddy struggles to prove her extraterrestrial origins.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Your words can be sharp and cunning today.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Though the 1948 British drama of the same name may be the most famous iteration, this twisted modern take is palpably tense and absolutely worth your time.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The twist ending is the cherry on top of a twisted finale.—
Josh Wigler,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These techniques can sometimes feel unnatural.—
Christine Buzan,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
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Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Thake took a long and winding trip down the memories of South Yorkshire football, a path which eventually led him to the living room of a shy, almost reclusive Rotherham man called Terry Moran.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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The Didi and Gogo that Sparks and Shannon created were full of blood and bile, real people with — no matter how obscured in its details by time and circumstance — a long and winding relationship.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Supplements That Affect Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Some supplements can raise blood pressure or alter heart rhythms, which can lead to rapid changes in heart rate, high blood pressure (hypertension), or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Hypercalcemia can lead to serious issues like kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The unique curved heel, measuring around four inches, gives the classic silhouette an interesting edge.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
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The curved leg and tapered ankle create a subtle elongating effect, giving the illusion of longer legs while still feeling easy and comfortable to move in.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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