sleight

noun

ˈslīt How to pronounce sleight (audio)
Definition of sleightnext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end must have employed some sophisticated sleight to con that wary couple out of their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ability
mental skill or quickness a brilliant new theory that pays tribute to his remarkable sleight of mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity a muscle-bound weight lifter known more for his might than his sleight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sleight Tripping along a lilting triplet rhythm, the album opens with one of its catchiest melodies—and one of those sleight-of-hand maneuvers that are Hoop’s specialty. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 19 May 2026 Unlike his career in sleight-of-hand magic, Groban will defy those wildest dreams on May 6, when he will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 May 2026 This felt personal, like the Wolverines weren’t merely trying to beat the Wildcats but use the Wildcats as some punching bag to eradicate a ghost, or vindicate some sleight. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026 Many seemingly complex magic tricks rely on a simple mix of old-fashioned sleight-of-hand and misdirection. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
  1. ruse
  2. ability
  3. agility
  4. trick
  5. prowess
  6. scheme
  7. talent
  8. device
Noun
  • Fort Worth Police Department homicide detectives on Monday arrested Alonzo Reyes, 18, and Gerald Chamberlain, 17, on suspicion of murder in the alleged ruse.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • The Chenbot also weighs in on Jason’s emotional ruse to Angela.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • That, however, does a disservice to the steel and desire shown by Spain, who are now both European and world champions, and also to the Argentine ability to lock in under pressure and produce when that gets turns up.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • La Roja had been the best team of the World Cup and had done so by remaining faithful to itself and its soccer through technique, ability and skill honed through years and years of doing the same thing better than anyone else.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Rather than chasing maximum deck length, Tern prioritizes real-world agility for urban riders.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
  • Developing Learning Agility Learning agility beyond AI—the one skill that keeps HR relevant is this.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • The trick is to raise it anyway, at every age, for whatever chapter comes next.
    — Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026
  • When Not To Use It As clever as this trick is, experts caution against trying to stretch it beyond its intended purpose.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • While no one was able to replicate Banda’s goal-scoring prowess, Solai Washington created five chances and Marta added four of her own.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
  • In some respects, polytropos is an unusual choice—most Homeric heroes are described in terms of their fortitude, their strength, or their prowess in battle.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • These questions – not to mention the loss of former coach Mike McDaniel, who’s run scheme in 2025 was nothing short of wizardry – could potentially make or break the Dolphins.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • The scheme change under Parker impacted Marist Liufau arguably the most of any player on the roster, as the staff moved him from an off-ball inside linebacker role to a pass-rushing outside linebacker.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Diversity leaders, who have often been positioned around talent, will no longer be able to lean on the annual EEO1 report that many have relied on to understand the demographic data needed to excel in their position.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • As well as his dazzling talent, supporters loved the tireless work rate and enthusiasm of their No 7.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • In her lawsuit, Nancy Lemus alleged that on the day prior to the blast, Kelley-Eklund, 41, and Osborn, 58, responded to a call from the Santa Monica Police Department after officers found explosive devices in the garage of an apartment complex.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • Such systems could support future wireless communication technologies operating beyond today’s networks, while also enabling portable imaging devices, chemical sensing systems, industrial inspection tools, and advanced remote-sensing platforms.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Definition of device

Phrases Containing sleight

Browse Nearby Words

sleigh beds
sleight
sleight of hand
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Cite this Entry

“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sleight

Nglish: Translation of sleight for Spanish Speakers

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