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
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
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In order to ensure the ruse is never uncovered, the twins swap places regularly, sharing equal parts — both good and bad — of each other's everyday lives.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Carreyrou acknowledged an obvious objection to this thesis—that there is a lengthy paper trail of Back corresponding with Satoshi—but explains it away by saying that Back was actually writing to himself as part of an elaborate ruse to throw would-be unmaskers off the trail.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dispensaries on tribal land were the first to open because of their sovereignty and ability to make their own rules.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The day-long prohibition came less than a week after Middle District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell issued an order expanding Alligator Alcatraz detainees’ access to their lawyers and their ability to use phones at the remote pop-up facility.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The versatile 22-year-old has totaled six interceptions across the last two seasons, and has the speed and agility to both pursue sideline-to-sideline and cover in space.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 2026
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Widely regarded as a top five talent in this class, Ioane is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound mauler who combined elite power with rare lateral agility.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With a little encouragement, and after a bit of sake, Isa Briones will pull out her party trick at karaoke.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
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The trick is to hydrate earlier in the day and cut fluids at least an hour before bed, to make sure you’re not woken up by multiple trips to the bathroom.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Such was the case in Georgia’s newspaper and magazine world, where Lee Walburn’s literary prowess helped shape the styles and careers of Southern writers and recast Atlanta’s city magazine as a literary powerhouse.—
Mark Woolsey,
AJC.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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Michael’s songwriting prowess is distilled down to snappy, silly montages that involve a lot of pacing and still more ruminating.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gentry’s lean frame limits his play strength, and the role fit will vary wildly depending on the scheme, but going to tempt creative coaching staffs.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
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The players were not aware that they were being used as part of the scheme, officials said.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What makes Raphael so difficult to appreciate is that his greatest talents are, in a way, invisible.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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The extraordinary talent of this year’s semifinalists is a powerful reminder that the future of vocal music in Orange County is bright.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Adams was released from jail after posting a $225,000 bond but is required to wear an electronic monitoring device, local media reported.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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That air purifier is still on, every filter change a reminder that nothing about the device, designed to keep me safe, is recyclable.—
Abigail Stone,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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