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

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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 Common issues found on live selling platforms can range from simple mistakes by inexperienced sellers, including customers being sent the wrong items, to more intentional violations, including the use of sleight-of-hand to swap high-value cards in a pack for less desirable ones. — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 10 June 2026 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 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
  • Patterson was accused of pretending to eat the same portion, and of feigning illness in an elaborate ruse to suggest she’d also been poisoned.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The band member responsible for the ruse was their late drummer, Jon Brookes.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • But the White House cut its offices and weakened its ability to follow up with cases, as well as slashed funding to research on disparities that people of color face in getting diagnosed and attaining resources for disabilities.
    — Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Herkov said Tebow’s value system is as impressive as his athletic ability.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Battling for a roster spot at wide receiver, Cowing showed off his speed and agility after the Chargers went 3-and-out with three minutes left in the second quarter.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Infrastructure has unique safety, regulatory and investment considerations, but its organizations can still learn from industries built around agility, customer understanding and continuous improvement.
    — Jen Fuller, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s route to the final, opening his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and scoring in each of his team’s matches up to and including the round of 16.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The key manufacturing trick was direct ink writing, a form of 3D printing.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Banks wrote this piece as an ensemble work, not as a showcase for his formidable instrumental prowess.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Regarding new arrivals, Rodri is ruled out for Sunday's match, training individually, but Joao Cancelo is deemed ready and could feature against Elche, with Flick highlighting his fantastic technique and offensive prowess.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • Organized crime operations from several cities, including Chicago, New York and Detroit, had established control of casinos up and down the Vegas Strip and devised schemes to skim percentages of the cash under the noses of state regulators.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • With Clark next to him in the 3-4 scheme, Williams flashed his strength and short-area quickness from the defensive interior each day in practice while battling against Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The backstory Once upon a time, there was a Spanish family blessed with a talent for finding historic buildings and transforming them into hotels that anyone who admires beauty and nature would want to visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Crusaders graduated a lot of talent from last year’s squad, but should get healthy against the Seahawks.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Philadelphia School District officials told CBS News Philadelphia that schools are responsible for determining how students' devices will be secured during the school day.
    — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In 2013, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said that the US could sell food, medicine, and medical devices to Iran.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 24 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sleight

Nglish: Translation of sleight for Spanish Speakers

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