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Definition of devious

devious

/ˈdiːviəs/
de · vi · ous
Adverb:deviously
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devious Lexical Profile

devious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals; deceitful, cunning, or insincere.

Example

"The auditor uncovered a devious scheme to siphon funds into offshore accounts."

2

Longer and less direct than the most straightforward way (of a route or journey); winding or circuitous.

Example

"Due to the highway closure, we had to take a devious route through narrow country lanes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for devious

• Nearby Words

devilishness
devilment
devilry
devious
deviously
deviousness
devise

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin devius ('out of the way, remote'), formed from de- ('off, from') and via ('way, road'). Its sense evolved from literal physical winding paths to metaphorical moral straying and underhandedness.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Devious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/devious
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