1
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
a tricky musical passage for the woodwind section
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
he's a tricky one, so be careful when dealing with him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tricky
Stay Vigilant While bed bugs are notoriously tricky to eliminate, layered treatment strategies can make all the difference.
—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Now that's where things get tricky.
—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Comparing speed with the VC-500W is trickier for several reasons.
—
M. David Stone,
PC Magazine,
19 June 2026
That was an especially tricky episode, right?
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tricky
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Now that's where things get tricky.
—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Comparing speed with the VC-500W is trickier for several reasons.
—
M. David Stone,
PC Magazine,
19 June 2026
That was an especially tricky episode, right?
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tricky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tricky
Adjective
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Aviation experts said those conditions would have been difficult to navigate that evening when the helicopter, a Robinson R66, crashed in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area.
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But traffic on the waterway remains a fraction of pre-war levels with different authorities vying to organize the transit of vessels, leaving operators with a difficult choice over which path to take.
Adjective
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Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.
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Under this light, Penelope emerges as exemplary, cunning, wounded, and trapped by the male order that praises her.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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Meanwhile, a cute side slit and practical pocket on the shorts add style and functionality.
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Join the droves of shoppers buying this cute henley top with a relaxed fit.
Adjective
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The process is meant to mitigate the chance of any sensitive instruments being damaged, Katalyst said in a press release.
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Mars activates your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, motivating you to tackle sensitive matters with courage and protect what truly matters.
Adjective
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Off a slick feed from Houssem Aouar, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the game to give Algeria a 3-2 lead.
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Appollis made some slick dribbles to set up a right-footed shot from outside the box.
Adjective
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Or will society collectively begin to see this as problematic?
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Calories Burned Chasing a calorie burn is especially problematic, according to De Leon.
Adjective
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Available in a style with the same stripes that Paltrow favors, the top offers a subtle pattern that’ll make your outfit pop.
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The square neckline adds a flattering, feminine touch, while the subtle volume in the sleeves gives it a slightly dressier feel than your average tee.
Cite this Entry
“Tricky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tricky. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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