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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 show portrays devious, cocaine-huffing young bankers climbing the ranks of global finance, and Yasmin—or Yas, for short—has cut the least noble path of all.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Or, there are a few things audiences shouldn’t even think about during one, let alone find the time to worry about — especially not if our seemingly devious criminals aren’t worrying about them, either.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
That’s when my twelve-year-old brain experienced its first devious epiphany.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The last of the five is the most devious.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devious
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Or, there are a few things audiences shouldn’t even think about during one, let alone find the time to worry about — especially not if our seemingly devious criminals aren’t worrying about them, either.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
That’s when my twelve-year-old brain experienced its first devious epiphany.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The last of the five is the most devious.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
-
As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These twisted brick can be used as a decorative cap to garden wall.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Kirill Kaprizov corralled a puck in the offensive zone, unleashed a twisted wrist shot on net, and somehow fit the puck into a sliver of space top shelf.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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When choosing soaps to deter deer, gardeners often have success with deodorant soaps that have an unnatural and strong scent, such as Irish Spring, Ivory, Coast, and Dial.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Both look awkward and unnatural.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Patagonian Scallops Tiny baby button scallops, so cute.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Someone says the rats are actually cute — what’s your honest response?—
Zach Schiffman,
Curbed,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Even the entrance is enveloping—a winding, sheltered, dark wooden path that smells like intense relaxation and essential oils.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Climb the 199 winding steps to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Cape May Point State Park.—
Carlianne Brennan,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What to Know About Breast Cancer in Dogs Breast cancers in dogs are often referred to as mammary tumors, which develop from abnormal replication of breast tissue cells, according to Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Cancer Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Throughout her trip to the United States, the Queen has reliably chosen British designers in a subtle showing of sartorial support of her homeland.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Such subtle tweaks in rhythm and resolution are more subtle, and more rewarding, than a straightforward joke-and-punchline setup.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The main level includes a grand foyer, according to its listing, with a curved staircase, a front parlor with pocket doors, a formal dining room and a renovated kitchen with soapstone counters, wine fridge and a sitting area with a warming stove.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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The curved heel has become a signature detail in the singer’s shoe designs as of late and gives her shoes a modern edge, as opposed to the traditional slim stiletto heel.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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