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
  • There’s a delightful secret history of Hollywood directors whose ruses and stratagems bought them an unusual amount of leeway with their scripts.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • From this perspective, Perseus’s ruse suggests that our traffic with images and imaging has less to do with likeness to life than its arrest and incapacitation.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Both countries are investing heavily in technologies such as enhanced stealth, artificial intelligence, advanced networking, and the ability to operate alongside autonomous drones.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Chapman faces an arduous road to recovery, especially for a player known for his agility on defense.
    — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • One that rewarded standardization and routine more than innovation and agility.
    — Lisa Schade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Then, use one of these simple tricks to remove leftover wax and scrub soot away with warm water, soap, and a brush when you’re done.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Though the trick watch that recorded Sang-gil’s incriminating meeting with the mayor has been destroyed, Eun-sae backed up the footage.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Trump has spoken repeatedly of his prowess with green lawns since returning to the White House — at some events even spending more time talking about it than the war in Iran, the economy or November's midterm elections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has spoken repeatedly of his prowess with green lawns since returning to the White House — at some events even spending more time talking about it than the war in Iran, the economy or November’s midterm elections.
    — Will Weissert, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Farms alleges that Brian Thune confessed to the scheme in a March 16 phone call with company officials and again confessed and apologized for his actions in an April 8 voicemail to Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Shawn Vanderhoven is a partner at The Wiseman Group, a thought leadership and consulting firm working with many of the biggest and brightest companies in the S&P and focusing on developing a leader's ability to fully utilize their people’s talent.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The community came together Wednesday to wish the young talent good luck at a send-off celebration and pizza party.
    — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • If a young person spends much of their day on a digital device during the summer, giving it up on the first day of school is going to be an enormous challenge.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Future studies will need to determine exactly which magnetic state emerges and whether it can be reliably controlled in real-world devices.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sleight

Nglish: Translation of sleight for Spanish Speakers

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