Devious (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading; "used devious means to achieve success"; "gave oblique answers to direct questions"; "oblique political maneuvers".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The politician's devious tactics during the campaign raised eyebrows among voters and opponents alike.
• She used devious means to get ahead in her career, often stepping on others to reach the top.
• The company's devious marketing strategy involved making false claims about their product's benefits.
• The detective was tasked with unraveling the devious plot behind the Jewelry heist.
• The novel's plot twist was a devious and unexpected turn of events that caught readers off guard.

Synonyms

• Oblique

Related Words

• Deviousness (noun)

Meaning ²

Deviating from a straight course; "a scenic but devious route"; "a long and circuitous journey by train and boat"; "a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The winding road through the mountains was the most scenic but devious route to the village.
• The novel's complex plot took a devious turn when the detective discovered a surprising clue.
• The hikers' excursion became a long and devious journey through the dense forest after they lost their map.
• Her devious smile hinted that she was planning a surprise party for her friend's birthday.
• The adventurer’s devious route through the jungle avoided the raging river and led her to a secret waterfall.

Synonyms

• Roundabout
• Circuitous

Related Words

• Deviousness (noun)

Meaning ³

Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive; "a devious character"; "shifty eyes".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The politician's devious tactics were exposed when the scandal broke out, revealing a trail of corruption and deceit.
• Her devious eyes darted back and forth as she tried to come up with an excuse for her tardiness.
• The devious manner in which the company hid its true financial struggles from investors led to a massive lawsuit.
• His devious smile hinted at a plan that was not entirely on the up-and-up.
• The detective was wary of the witness, whose devious behavior and inconsistent testimony suggested he might be hiding something.

Synonyms

• Shifty

Related Words

• Deviousness (noun)