devious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "devious crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Explore answers by letter count below.
Solutions for "devious crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Meaning cunning or tricky, often used to describe subtle deception.
4 Letters
WILY: Describes someone who is skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.
5 Letters
SNAKY: Reminiscent of a snake's cunning or deceptive movements; twisty or treacherous.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Refers to a person who is clever at achieving their aims by indirect or deceptive methods.
TRICKY: Involving or requiring care and skill due to being complex or deceptive.
ARTFUL: Clever or skillful, especially in a cunning or sly way.
SHREWD: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. Can also imply cunning.
7 Letters
CUNNING: Implying skill in deceit or evasion, a classic synonym for devious.
9 Letters
INSIDIOUS: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects; treacherous.
More About "devious crossword clue"
The term "devious" in crosswords is a fascinating one, often hinting at answers that require a bit of lateral thinking or an understanding of nuanced synonyms. It's not always about outright malice, but rather a sense of indirectness, cleverness, or even a circuitous route. Clues like "devious" are designed to test your vocabulary range, pushing you beyond the most obvious definitions.
When you encounter "devious," think about words that describe cunning behavior, subtle trickery, or intricate paths. Crossword setters love to use such words to lead solvers down an interesting, albeit sometimes misleading, path. Recognizing this pattern is a key step towards mastering such clues and enhancing your overall crossword-solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For a clue like "devious," immediately think of words that mean cunning, tricky, or indirect. Sometimes, the opposite meaning (straightforward, honest) can also spark an idea.
- Look at the letter count: Always use the given letter count to narrow down your options. If "devious" has a 3-letter answer, SLY is a strong candidate; for 7 letters, CUNNING might fit.
- Check surrounding letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as vital clues. They often confirm or rule out potential answers for "devious."
- Don't be afraid to leave and return: If a "devious" clue is truly stumping you, move on to other clues. Often, solving adjacent entries will provide enough intersecting letters to make the trickier clue solvable.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "devious" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "devious" typically signals an answer that is tricky, cunning, or indirect. It often points to words like SLY, WILY, CRAFTY, or CUNNING, which describe someone or something that acts subtly or deceptively to achieve a goal.
How can I identify "devious" clues quickly?
Look for synonyms of "devious" within the clue itself, or words that suggest indirectness, trickery, or clever manipulation. Context is key; if the clue feels like it's trying to mislead you, the answer might be a "devious" one.
Are "devious" clues always negative?
While "devious" often carries a negative connotation of trickery or deceit, in a crossword context, it simply describes a way of operating. Answers can range from mildly cunning (like SLY) to more sinister (like INSIDIOUS), depending on the specific nuance and letter count.