deviously crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "deviously crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "deviously crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SLILY: Done in a sly or cunning manner, often implying a hint of mischief or deceit.
6 Letters
FOXILY: Acting with cunning or craftiness, reminiscent of a fox's cleverness in hunting or evasion.
8 Letters
SNEAKILY: In a stealthy, underhanded, or surreptitious way, often with an intention to deceive or avoid detection.
ARTFULLY: Accomplished with cleverness or skill, often implying a manipulative or cunning approach.
SHIFTILY: In a way that suggests dishonesty, evasion, or untrustworthiness, often involving quick, furtive movements or glances.
9 Letters
CUNNINGLY: In a clever and often deceitful or indirect manner, using intelligence to achieve an end, often unfairly.
More About "deviously crossword clue"
"Deviously" is a fantastic word for crossword setters because it offers a rich tapestry of synonyms, ranging from playful mischief to outright deceit. Clues that use this adverb often challenge solvers to think beyond the obvious, considering words that convey a sense of indirectness, trickery, or clever manipulation. The key is to recognize that "deviously" points towards an adverbial answer, typically ending in "-ly," which describes how an action is performed.
When you encounter "deviously" in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a lighthearted cryptic clue, or part of a more serious, straightforward grid? This can help you determine if the required answer leans towards words like 'slyly' or 'foxily' (more mischievous) versus 'cunningly' or 'sneakily' (more serious deceit). The beauty of such clues lies in their versatility, demanding a broad vocabulary and an understanding of nuanced meanings.
Solving these types of clues also sharpens your ability to discern subtle differences between synonyms. While 'artfully' might suggest skill with a hint of manipulation, 'shiftily' clearly implies dishonesty. Paying attention to these distinctions is crucial for selecting the exact word that fits the puzzle's theme and the intersecting letters you already have filled in.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: If the clue is an adverb like "deviously," your answer will almost certainly be an adverb. Look for words ending in "-ly" that fit the meaning.
- Consider Nuances: Words like "deviously" can have playful or sinister connotations. Think about the overall tone of the puzzle and other clues to determine the exact shade of meaning required.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm synonyms for "deviously" (e.g., cunning, sly, tricky) and then convert them to adverbs. Sometimes thinking of the opposite can also spark an idea.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use any already solved letters from intersecting words. They are your best friends in narrowing down the possibilities and confirming your choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deviously' imply in a crossword clue?
'Deviously' often suggests an answer that means cunningly, slyly, artfully, or in a tricky manner. It prompts solvers to think of words related to cleverness with an underlying hint of dishonesty or indirectness, sometimes even mischievousness.
How can I approach clues with synonyms like 'deviously'?
When a clue uses an adverb like 'deviously', the answer is almost always another adverb. Think of common synonyms for devious, tricky, or cunning and then add '-ly' to them. Consider various degrees of 'deviousness,' from playfully mischievous to outright deceitful, as different crossword setters might use the word with slightly different nuances.
Are there common alternative forms of 'deviously' in crosswords?
Yes, setters might use adjectives like 'devious' or nouns like 'deviousness' to hint at similar answers. If the clue is 'devious', you'd look for an adjective like 'sly' or 'cunning'. If it's a noun, you might look for 'trickery' or 'guile'. Always match the part of speech of the clue to the part of speech of the answer.