Devious: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is not straightforward and often uses underhanded tactics to achieve goals, often implying dishonesty.

• His devious plans to take over the project were uncovered

Pertains to someone who is skilled in deceitful or cunning ways, often acting in a secretive and mischievous manner. The term often implies a more playful or less harmful kind of deceit.

• She gave him a sly smile, knowing she had tricked him

Describes someone who is skilled at achieving their aims through deceit or evasion. It is often used to indicate cleverness in a potentially negative way.

• The cunning thief outsmarted the secure alarm system

Often refers to someone who is clever at achieving their goals by indirect or deceitful methods. This word can sometimes carry a slightly positive connotation of cleverness.

• The crafty fox managed to escape the trap

Usually describes someone who makes secret plans, often dishonestly, to achieve their own ends. It often has a negative connotation.

• The scheming politician manipulated events to gain power

Used to describe someone who is deceitful or manipulative. Carries a negative connotation.

• He was known for his devious tactics in business
• The politician's devious schemes were eventually exposed

Used when something is not direct, straightforward or is implied rather than stated outright.

• His comments were indirect but clearly critical
• She took an indirect route to the office to avoid the protesters

Used to describe something not going straight to the point, often to avoid confrontation or to be polite. Can also refer to a circular traffic junction.

• He gave a roundabout answer to avoid offending anyone
• The car navigated through the roundabout easily

Used to describe a route or path that is longer than the most direct way, often unintentionally.

• We took a circuitous route to avoid the traffic jam
• His explanation of the problem was rather circuitous and hard to follow

Used to describe a path or road that twists and turns.

• We drove along a winding mountain road
• The winding river flowed through the valley leisurely