1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
the movie pairs a sly, dissembling ex-con with an upstanding, straight-arrow cop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions
why, you sly fellow! I had no idea you were planning my birthday party a sly undercover police officer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a sly sense of humor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in subtlety
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sly
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
Saxon looks stunned, but his younger bro wears a sly smile.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
His cocksure sendup of a particular mystic-himbo archetype contributes a strain of sly comedy to a film otherwise marked by a sincere intensity of feeling.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Adjective
These are the intriguing ideas at work in Secret Mall Apartment, but the film works as a movie thanks to the sly way it’s been put together.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
Saxon looks stunned, but his younger bro wears a sly smile.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
His cocksure sendup of a particular mystic-himbo archetype contributes a strain of sly comedy to a film otherwise marked by a sincere intensity of feeling.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sly
Adjective
-
Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
-
John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The mood shifts from shady to straight-up scandalous.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, Fenix lost the biggest match of his young WWE career, albeit under shady circumstances, while Americano picked up a WrestleMania win.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Clark, who wore a mischievous smile, flayed her arm once more for the dramatics before stepping on the court and finishing a defensive drill.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Isaacs appeared in the film series as the father of Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts student wizard who serves as a mischievous antagonist opposite Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Grint), and Hermione Granger (Watson).—
Joey Nolfi,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In discussion with Deadline, Thornton subtlety confirmed that Elliott had joined the cast after answering a question about working with his old pals Moore and Andy Garcia.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
-
But what truly fascinated him was the subtlety of its mode of action.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
While there’s no doubt the videos feature cute little ones and are intended just for laughs, mental health professionals say what some parents view as harmless fun may actually be affecting children in unplanned ways.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Fifth-round pick Jordan Hancock could be a sneaky option to start down the line, too.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
One that’s sneaky smart is choosing our first singles off an upcoming project.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Havoc brings the heat, throwing Tom Hardy's stony Walker into a hotbed of gangsters, dirty cops, corrupt elites, and wicked assassins.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Dafoe rocks an aerodynamic pompadour and wicked attitude as the leader of a biker gang who kidnaps a rock singer (Diane Lane) and has a showdown with her ex (Michael Paré).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sly. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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