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Meaning & use

devious

adjective·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈdiːviəs/
US/ˈdiːviəs/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Using tricks, secrecy, or dishonest plans to get what you want instead of acting openly.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after be: a devious plan, he is devious.

    Patterns

    • devious in something

    The devious manager hid the losses from investors.

    She came up with a devious plan to win the contest.

    He was too devious to admit his real motive.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounliteraryrare

    Following an indirect, winding, or roundabout route.

    Grammar: Rare and slightly literary: a devious path.

    Patterns

    • a devious route

    The river took a devious course through the hills.

    We followed a devious path through the old town.

    The devious lane doubled back on itself.

Word forms

comparativemore devious
superlativemost devious

Common combinations

devious plan
The thief had a devious plan to get inside.
devious mind
He has a devious mind for puzzles and tricks.
devious means
They gained power by devious means.
devious scheme
A devious scheme cost customers millions.
devious smile
She gave a devious smile before revealing the trick.

Synonyms and how they differ

sly
Sly suggests quiet cleverness and can be playful, while devious suggests hidden dishonesty.
crafty
Crafty praises skill at getting results, and is milder than devious.
deceitful
Deceitful stresses lying, whereas devious stresses clever, indirect planning.
underhanded
Underhanded stresses secret and unfair methods in particular.

Opposites

honeststraightforwardopen

Word family

deviousness noun
the quality of being devious
deviously adverb
in a devious way
deviate verb
to depart from a route or norm
deviation noun
a departure from a standard

Commonly confused: devious or deviant? devious or devout?

devious vs deviant

Deviant describes behavior that differs from accepted norms, not necessarily dishonest behavior.

devious vs devout

Devout means deeply religious, and looks similar but is unrelated.

Practice

The politician won the vote by ____ means, including spreading false rumors.

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