devious meaning

UK US /ˈdiviəs/ 3 syllables

devious (adjective): indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading.

devious has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

devious as an adjective

  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

    Synonyms: oblique

    Similar: indirect

    Related forms: deviousness

  2. characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive
    • a devious character
    • shifty eyes

    Synonyms: shifty

    Similar: untrustworthy

    Related forms: deviousness

  3. 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

    Synonyms: circuitous, roundabout

    Similar: indirect

    Related forms: deviousness

How to pronounce devious

devious is pronounced /ˈdiviəs/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Words that rhyme with devious

Word lists: words starting with DE · words ending in US · 7-letter words

More about devious on Wikipedia.