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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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
In addition to The Wizard of Oz, he’s best remembered for The Ray Bolger Show (1953–1955) and for playing the devious Barnaby in the original Babes in Toyland (1961) film.
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Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025
Here’s why that’s nothing more than a devious trick that exploits several problems with our modern communication landscape.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Four years ago, the Panama Papers, a massive leak of documents from the law firm Mossack Fonseca, revealed how the rich and devious evade taxes and launder profits through opaque offshore shell companies.
—Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The news is met with outrage by Krystal (Anissa Borrego), her ditzy but loyal star flyer, and with histrionic despair by her secretly devious assistant coach, named Tammy Istiny.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devious
Adjective
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Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire, and twisted loyalty.—
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The elaborate scheme, masterminded by members of four Mafia families in collusion with celebrity athletes, ensnared unsuspecting victims, bleeding them of over $7 million through cunning deception, prosecutors said in the indictment.—
Adjective
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Some of the trees stand as much as 140-feet, while others are twisted and bent due to rocky soil and lack of sunlight.—
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All that remained was now a gray field of ash and twisted metal, almost unrecognizable even in form.—
Adjective
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While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
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The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.—
Adjective
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Ariana Grande made a cute face while taking a pic with Steven Spielberg.—
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Jump on the trend early with this cute, hands-free Michael Kors crossbody bag.—
Adjective
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Experts say that these legal challenges are just the beginning of what will surely be a long and winding road through the U.S. court system.—
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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.—
Adjective
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The new guidance reflects the latest research showing that HPV tests, compared to Pap smears, can increase the detection of abnormal cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer.—
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Kickers often have an abnormal route to high-level football.—
Adjective
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With her signature long waves gathered into a subtle bun at the nape of her neck, this style puts the focus on the sculptural wave framing Seyfried's face opposite a deep side part.—
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Grande wore a glossy pink shade on her lips, sculpted cheeks with subtle shimmer, and long lashes.—
Adjective
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Further, this development enhances the potential of renewable energy by unlocking perovskite’s ability to be printed onto flexible surfaces, such as curved windows, lightweight camping gear, and even clothing fabrics.—
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Then Kim brings another rock from behind his back, a small, curved black stone.—
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devious. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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