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
The mysterious nature of twins — particularly identical twins — has been a devious source of curiosity and fascination in Hollywood for time immemorial.
—
Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
In essence, all this accomplishes is to enable some devious shopkeepers to charge their fellow Jews even more money in these challenging times for adhering to dietary laws.
—Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Despite the film’s eclectic cast — from Cera’s quirky Norwegian insect specialist to Korda’s devious, bushy-browed half-brother, Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch) — Desplat chose not to compose distinct themes for individual characters.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 9 June 2025
Pascal voices Roz's first friend, Fink, a devious yet good-hearted fox.
—Allison Degrushe, EW.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
In essence, all this accomplishes is to enable some devious shopkeepers to charge their fellow Jews even more money in these challenging times for adhering to dietary laws.
—Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Despite the film’s eclectic cast — from Cera’s quirky Norwegian insect specialist to Korda’s devious, bushy-browed half-brother, Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch) — Desplat chose not to compose distinct themes for individual characters.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 9 June 2025
Pascal voices Roz's first friend, Fink, a devious yet good-hearted fox.
—Allison Degrushe, EW.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
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The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
2 July 2025
-
As for steps that could be taken in the nineteenth century, Lyell managed to invent a cunning way to determine the relative age of geological strata.—
Lewis Hyde,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Dexter unknowingly steps into a Gotham-like serial-killer universe led by twisted billionaire venture capitalist Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage) and his chief of security, Charley (Uma Thurman).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Jeans with twisted seams, pleating, high waists and deep contrasting cuffs laid the foundation to looks that include damask blazers and shirts featuring paintings by Edvard Munch and Elizabeth Peyton.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
His footwork and instincts at third base are unnatural regardless of the maximum effort Chisholm Jr. has put into playing the position.—
Wayne G. McDonnell,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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July 6, 2025: Rodman watching Shelton’s match at Wimbledon is so cute the ESPN announcer literally giggles trying to talk about them.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
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Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the watch has a stop-second function, which halts the balance wheel and seconds hand when the winding crown is pulled out, allowing for precise time adjustments.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 90 about 30 miles outside of New Orleans — on a winding, narrow stretch of the two-lane highway known as the Old Spanish Trail, per The Salina Journal.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal chemical changes cause the protein tau to stick to other tau molecules, which eventually form the hallmark toxic tangles that destroy neurons and the connections, or synapses, between them.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 June 2025
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At the start of the quarter, the Treasury market was enveloped in abnormal uncertainty and volatility.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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The accessory was a subtle nod to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, whose colors have been green and purple since 1909.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Finally, real-time monitoring can detect unusual activity, such as multiple login attempts or access from unfamiliar IP addresses, allowing organizers to respond quickly to potential threats. 3.—
Michele Dobnikar,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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