Acting deviously NYT crossword clue

The answer to the New York Times The Mini crossword clue “Acting deviously” is SLY. The word “sly” describes someone who is being sneaky or cunning, often in a clever or mischievous way. It captures the essence of acting with subtle deceit or trickiness, making it an apt match for the clue.

“Acting deviously” points to behavior that involves manipulation or secretiveness, and “sly” conveys that with just three letters. It’s a concise word often used to describe characters or actions that are clever but not necessarily evil—just a bit underhanded. That nuance makes it a popular choice in both literature and casual speech.