1
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions
shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception
shifty practices such as turning back the odometers on used cars
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shifty
The former actress is at wit’s end because a shifty developer (Billy Carter) with deep pockets and a Russian girlfriend (Elise Kibler) who is besotted with Richard is making moves to reshape the town that will bring on the demise of its struggling theater.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Panthers would like to diversify their receiving room with a speedy, shifty athlete who can make plays after the catch and in the run game.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Dillingham offers something unique on the Bulls roster with his shifty ability to shake defenders and soft-shoe his way to the rim.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Some have just become kind of shifty.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shifty
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Panthers would like to diversify their receiving room with a speedy, shifty athlete who can make plays after the catch and in the run game.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Dillingham offers something unique on the Bulls roster with his shifty ability to shake defenders and soft-shoe his way to the rim.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Some have just become kind of shifty.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shifty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shifty
Adjective
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So forget shady characters, or fake websites.—
Dave Lieber
Mar. 11,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
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The inspiration for this pasta comes from the shady, mysterious forests of Northern California’s Redwood National and State Parks.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In the short term, the company focuses on immediate relief from rising annual maintenance fees, open loans, and the financial fallout from deceptive sales practices.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Tenet had sued Leapfrog last year over poor grades given to its Palm Beach Network hospitals, calling the grading process unfair and deceptive.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Finally, the offensive pass game got a sneaky upgrade, as former Minnesota Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor agreed to terms on a $35 million deal with $23 million guaranteed across three years as well.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
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Look out for sneaky web hosting fees, though.—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Transfers made after a dispute becomes foreseeable can be challenged as fraudulent conveyances.—
Ascend Agency,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Criminals look for confusion around tax rules, new programs or trending online advice and use that uncertainty to push fraudulent claims or steal personal information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Stand back and check for any shingles that look lifted, crooked, or curled.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
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Your mailbox is a small feature that can signal neglect if it’s dated, deteriorating, or crooked.—
Jane Kim,
The Spruce,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is dishonest and partisan.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
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More and more people are avoiding dating or befriending those with opposing political views, and growing numbers describe those on the other side as closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.—
Justin Callais,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shifty. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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