as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
the slyness with which the FBI agent infiltrated the subversive organization without their knowledge was indeed impressive
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Recent Examples of slyness
The harp is not an instrument of slyness, wryness, or the earth.
—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
—
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!
—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
—
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!
—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slyness
Noun
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Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
Noun
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The subtlety here is that financial stress is rarely just about money.
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Versace isn't one of the world's most famous fashion houses thanks to its subtlety, and the brand's swimsuits are just as bright, bold, and daring as its couture and ready-to-wear collections.
Cite this Entry
“Slyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slyness. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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