deviousness

noun

as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means his deviousness was almost as awesome as his lack of scruples

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deviousness The practice reached new heights of creativity (or deviousness, depending on your perspective) in the modern age, when ever-more sophisticated computers allowed for ever-finer slicing and dicing of the electorate. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviousness
  1. cunning
  2. slyness
  3. sneakiness
Noun
  • The Odysseus of legend is known for his cunning and his eloquence.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
  • In Argentina, and by Maradona, it was celebrated for its cunning.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • The harp is not an instrument of slyness, wryness, or the earth.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of slyness
Noun
  • In The Executioners, and the 1962 and 1991 film adaptations of that novel, Cady is a predator specifically of women — even more specifically, young women — and he’s known for this, more so than his sneakiness, cleverness, or time served.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of sneakiness

Browse Nearby Words

deviously
deviousness
devise
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Cite this Entry

“Deviousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviousness. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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