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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sly
Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 July 2025
The sly twist from humility to confidence — all delivered with a not self-aware nonchalant shrug to the crowd — drives home how much more powerful the song is, in every case, than its writer or performer.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Her long, dark hair was messily waved, hanging past her shoulders like a shawl, while her eyebrows were shaved extremely thin, leaving little room for any expression other than a sly smile.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Adjective
One night, over dinner, his dad tossed out a few sly questions.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 July 2025
The sly twist from humility to confidence — all delivered with a not self-aware nonchalant shrug to the crowd — drives home how much more powerful the song is, in every case, than its writer or performer.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Her long, dark hair was messily waved, hanging past her shoulders like a shawl, while her eyebrows were shaved extremely thin, leaving little room for any expression other than a sly smile.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sly
Adjective
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O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the big island of Hawai’i were all joined by water but divided by greedy men, cunning chiefs and a cycle of endless combat.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
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Slated for release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is an adaptation of the epic poem from Homer, which tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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The former Oakland Raiders linebacker was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s shady military pal in Predator (1987) before landing his own macho action vehicle in Action Jackson (1988).—
Skyler Trepel,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
-
According to the weather service, heat index values are calculated for shady conditions with light winds, but direct sun exposure can increase these values by up to 15 degrees.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Now that a whole new generation has been introduced to the mischievous agent of chaos, merchandise sales are likely to keep soaring through the holiday season.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
17 July 2025
-
The sweet little girl and her mischievous blue alien finally give Hollywood its first billion-dollar movie of 2025, with Lilo & Stitch the only studio film to reach the milestone this year.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
17 July 2025
Noun
-
But that subtlety was lost in the script that George W. Rappleyea wrote for the controversy.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
-
Her playing was poised and expressive throughout, favoring subtlety over drama and marked by graceful nuance.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The moment in which Guy and Nan reunite at the courthouse and mirror each other on a staircase and over a railing, respectively, is reminiscent of their meet cute in Season 1.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
30 July 2025
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Make lunchtime fun again with the help of a cute and colorful bento box or a fun, interactive lunch box.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Herr says the company is about to release a domestic version that can help with three-hour time differences—which, as any coast-to-coast traveler can tell you, can be a sneaky energy suck.—
Aislyn Greene,
AFAR Media,
31 July 2025
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The Dodgers might be content to let Snell and Sasaki get healthy and focus on the bullpen at the trade deadline, but there's one sneaky arm Los Angeles should consider if the price is right.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, a text grappling with a wicked problem shouldn’t stay limited by the narrow confines of literary genre, instead blending journalism, memoir, fiction, and narrative nonfiction.—
Melody Glenn
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
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Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants are spreading across the US Are invasive tawny crazy ants in Ohio?—
Kim Luciani,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Interplay of rough and polished diamonds continued, with a wide range of hues from white to subtle greens and browns, and the use of materials such as natural jet and grand-feu enamel.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
24 July 2025
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The wine exhibits a delicate mousse featuring citrus-lime zest, layered with brioche, pear, and subtle minerality.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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