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
Relevance
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
Carol is understandably freaked out; the robot is straight from the uncanny valley, with Dobbins and the filmmakers delivering a thoroughly unsettling sleight-of-hand.
—
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Curtsies, snubs, sleights and behavior becoming (or unbecoming) of a Regency woman must pass a certain muster, because the world of the play is dependent upon dramaturgical accuracy.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
Fugitive was wanted in 3 countries, NYC CBS News New York saw video that shows a man and a woman engaging in a sleight-of-hand con that ended with the woman slipping an $11,000 diamond bracelet into her other hand.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
Huang’s music is a virtuosic combination of expressive vocal lines, splendid orchestral effects and instrumental sleight-of-hand, conjuring up grand theatrical explosions and probing spiritual lessons with equal ease.
—Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Curtsies, snubs, sleights and behavior becoming (or unbecoming) of a Regency woman must pass a certain muster, because the world of the play is dependent upon dramaturgical accuracy.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
Fugitive was wanted in 3 countries, NYC CBS News New York saw video that shows a man and a woman engaging in a sleight-of-hand con that ended with the woman slipping an $11,000 diamond bracelet into her other hand.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
Huang’s music is a virtuosic combination of expressive vocal lines, splendid orchestral effects and instrumental sleight-of-hand, conjuring up grand theatrical explosions and probing spiritual lessons with equal ease.
—Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
-
While sustaining the ruse for months, Ale arranged with an expectant young mother who didn’t want her child to take that woman’s newborn as her own.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Seasoned observers of Russia’s space program might question if the drone attacks are a ruse to add another layer of secrecy over Russia’s launch activity at Plesetsk.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Your ability to adapt keeps the energy alive.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Those abilities would make Astier a key contributor in DeMarco’s offense, which is designed to be more structured and feature plenty of floor spacing — areas the team struggled with last season under Sandy Brondello.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
If so, speed is of the essence in reallocating resources and in adapting governance to move with agility.—
Kevin Russell,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
Leon also has a special talent on set pieces for the Saints, using her agility and explosiveness to perform flip throws.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
This and other videos like it have been making the rounds lately, using tricks for clicks.—
Lisa de los Reyes,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2026
-
But Ohm has picked up some tricks from his time in the room.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
For King Charles, the trip will be a test of his diplomatic prowess.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There were no lies told about this team’s postseason prowess.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a symbiosis in play here, and the NFL is fully aware that its unmatched popularity is still almost entirely a function of its TV-first delivery scheme.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
1 May 2026
-
Following that incident, Weber allegedly tried to launch another scheme involving him offering basketball players overseas trips.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Walter was an accomplished singer and Marian played the piano, but Crenshaw evidently did not inherit a talent for music.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Even as a young writer, her talent for digging up interesting stats, along with her contagious positivity and love for the game, set her apart in a crowded media landscape.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the destructive device, which contained flammable ethanol and a wick designed to ignite when lighted.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Investigators recovered a 9 mm SIG Sauer handgun, according to the filing, and seized electronic devices as part of the investigation.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
