insidious
/ɪnˈsɪdiəs/
adjective
- Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects.
- The insidious spread of mold in the walls went unnoticed for months.
- She warned about the insidious influence of biased news on public opinion.
- An insidious disease can show no symptoms until it is advanced.
- Intended to entrap or deceive; treacherous.
- The spy used insidious tricks to gain access to the classified files.
- The con artist's insidious plan slowly drained the victims' savings.
- His insidious compliments were actually meant to undermine her confidence.
Synonyms