Devious vs. Insidious — What's the Difference?

Not straightforward; shifty

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects

Departing from the correct or accepted way; erring

Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner

Deviating from the straight or direct course; roundabout

Intended to entrap; treacherous

Away from a main road or course; distant or removed.

Beguiling but harmful; alluring

Cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank.

Producing harm in a stealthy, often gradual, manner.

Roundabout, circuitous, deviating from the direct or ordinary route.

Intending to entrap; alluring but harmful.

Out of a straight line; winding; varying from directness; as, a devious path or way.

(nonstandard) Treacherous.

Going out of the right or common course; going astray; erring; wandering; as, a devious step.

Lying in wait; watching an opportunity to insnare or entrap; deceitful; sly; treacherous; - said of persons; as, the insidious foe.

Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading;

Intended to entrap; characterized by treachery and deceit; as, insidious arts.

Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive;

Acting or proceeding unobserved or in a seemingly harmless manner, but slowly or eventually doing great damage; as, an insidious disease; an insidious plot.

Deviating from a straight course;

Beguiling but harmful;

Intended to entrap

Working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way;