1. willing to act in a dishonest or deceitful way to achieve one’s goals
2. not following a direct or straight route; winding
Usage: less common

Examples

• The politician used devious tactics to discredit his opponent.
• She discovered her business partner’s devious plan to steal clients.
• His devious smile suggested he was hiding something.
• The detective uncovered the criminal’s devious scheme.
• They took a devious path through the mountains to avoid the main road.
• The river follows a devious course through the valley.