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
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Recent Examples of sleight
Spending more time with these two main characters as people and not pieces in a shifting sleight-of-hand exercise might give the strong performances a chance to assert themselves more.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
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Richie buys Harry's ruse regarding Tommy's murder, but there's a catch.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The wedding started as an elaborate three-way ruse concocted by Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese American man; his white boyfriend, Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein); and Wei-Wei, an undocumented Chinese immigrant.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In today’s dynamic climate of work, career success often depends on your ability to adapt, grow, and make smart choices when the path forward is unclear.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Since then, the Trump administration has frozen $2.3 billion in funding to Harvard, threatened to strip its tax-exempt status and take away its ability to enroll foreign students, while demanding information on the university's foreign ties, funding, students and faculty.—
Nate Raymond,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Defense said the weapon's official name pays tribute to the eagle, known for its speed, stealth, and agility.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
26 Apr. 2025
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Lessons From $15 Billion Of Cross-Border Experience Here are three truths that have shaped my approach to retail asset management over the years: • Cap-ex agility beats cap-ex volume.—
Aurele Gouy,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Nearly 30 years ago California legislators faced a test of their integrity in voting for an electricity deregulation scheme that ratepayers are still paying for.—
Jamie Court,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Minnesota Vikings Needs: RB, D-line, CB, S Ole Miss CB Trey Amos: Amos has good instincts around the ball and the press coverage skills needed to fit Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, which places cornerbacks on an island most of the time. 25.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While state courts have increasingly dismissed climate lawsuits as meritless, superfund laws are growing in popularity as another way to gut U.S. energy prowess.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Not all fighting games necessarily need a massive, twisty plot, but in recent years series like Mortal Kombat and Tekken have stepped up to match their technical prowess with more complex storytelling.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Another simple trick to avoid seeming evasive: Answer questions with yes or no, first; get into the explanation afterwards.—
Rob Davis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And while there’s some individual talent throughout the roster, the team hasn’t won anything with this core.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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The receiver undoubtedly has first-round talent, but there are a couple reasons why Burden isn't a lock to go on day one.—
Bryce Lazenby,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
21 Apr. 2025
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Plus, flash drives can be used to spread malware to other devices.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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