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
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There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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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
Adjective
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Lungs of Mother Earth's windpipe, constructed of twisted wood, extends skyward above the lungs.—
Isadora Pennington,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
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The star opted for a jaw-dropping gown by Ashi Studio that featured an ivory corseted bodice adorned with twisted tendrils of dark hair.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
With the house emptied of living (and costumed) guests, its furnishings, in all their liveliness, appear only to mask an unnatural torpor.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
The time was unnatural, sometime after midnight.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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This adorable cloud pillow shows Harry’s iconic lightning bolt scar and is a seriously cute addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
1 May 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
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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
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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
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Cancer Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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The hotel itself—sleekly renovated by Kyoto architect Shiro Miura—is hidden behind traditional dark wood and curved roof tiles.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
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The species, known for its distinctive bluish-gray coat and curved horns, disappeared just decades after it was first scientifically classified.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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