Devious
Devious adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: we always left it to our most devious friends to find out the latest information
Subtle is a synonym for devious in sly topic. In some cases you can use "Subtle" instead an adjective "Devious", when it comes to topics like crafty, tricky, wily.
Subtle
Subtle adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: used subtle methods of persuasion
Devious is a synonym for subtle in sly topic. You can use "Devious" instead an adjective "Subtle", if it concerns topics such as crafty, ingenious, clever, tricky.
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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As far as the most devious and subtle of villains are concerned, when it comes to facial expression, less is more.
Source: Psychotic Smirk - Too Dumb to Fool: Loki's illusions are even more devious and subtle than Tsukuyomi's.
Source: Fan Fic / Infinity - Roaring Rampage of Revenge: Matsu is not subtle, long-winded or devious once she has escaped: find target, stab target, repeat from start.
Source: Film / Joshuu Sasori
Cite this Source
Subtle and Devious. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/devious/subtle
Devious & Subtle. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/devious/subtle>.
Subtle or Devious. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/devious/subtle.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "devious" and "subtle" have occurred on timeline