slyly

adverb

sly·​ly

variants or less commonly slily

: in a sly manner: such as

a

: shrewdly

pointed his remarks by slyly wagging his forefinger

—G. B. Shaw

b

: with covert cunning : subtly

offered her slyly insolent condolences on being married to a barbarian

—Charles Kingsley

c

: in a surreptitious way : furtively

glanced slyly

slyly in love with their colleagues

—H. T. Moore

slyly injected commercials

—New Yorker

d

: artfully, roguishly

Word History

Etymology

Middle English slily, from sli sly + -ly

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for slyly

• dryly
• highly
• kiley
• shyly
• smiley
• wily
• wryly