sneaky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈsnē-kē 

sneakier; sneakiest

: marked by stealth, furtiveness, or shiftiness

a sneaky trick

sneakily

ˈsnē-kə-lē 

adverb

sneakiness

ˈsnē-kē-nəs 

noun

sneakiness

2 of 2

noun

sneak·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being sneaky

Synonyms of sneaky

Adjective

• shady
• sly
• stealthy

Examples of sneaky in a Sentence

Adjective

They make it look like you're getting a lot more than you really are. It's a sneaky trick.

It's a sneaky way of getting people to buy something they don't need.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Don’t miss out on Coach’s sneaky summer sale and shop more finds below. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 16 July 2026

Be sure to overlap cardboard slightly so sneaky weeds have no chance of sprouting up between seams. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

However, a sneaky trick when using these patterns is to add a small split shot about a foot up your leader from the fly. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

This delicious, hearty pizza has Italian sausage and a super-sneaky sauce hack. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sneaky

• cheeky
• creaky
• freaky
• kiki
• leaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

sneaky

adjective

ˈsnē-kē 

sneakier; sneakiest

1

: behaving in a sly or secret manner

2

: marked by secrecy or slyness

a sneaky trick

sneakily

-kə-lē 

adverb

sneakiness

-kē-nəs 

noun