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
  • The Chenbot also weighs in on Jason’s emotional ruse to Angela.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
  • But don’t sit at home, doing random tasks for empty nonprofits, believing in the ruse of fulfilling the necessary 200 volunteer hours to get into college.
    — Anya Joseph, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • That, however, does a disservice to the steel and desire shown by Spain, who are now both European and world champions, and also to the Argentine ability to lock in under pressure and produce when that gets turns up.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • La Roja had been the best team of the World Cup and had done so by remaining faithful to itself and its soccer through technique, ability and skill honed through years and years of doing the same thing better than anyone else.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Developed in partnership with an international team of industry specialists, the 53-footer delivers the space and practicality of a modern multihull along with the speed and agility of an ocean racer.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Effective governance should boost agility by enforcing standard interfaces and modular design, making component swapping routine and safe.
    — Signe Jancis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Les Bleus were then a penalty shootout away from retaining it four years later when a Mbappe hat-trick improbably wasn’t enough to ensure France became the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Small styling tricks can help create movement, texture, and add visual interest—and one of those is reflexing.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • This upcoming match not only showcases their athletic prowess but also underscores their enduring dedication to UNICEF's mission.
    — Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Nothing sets aside lingering skepticism about an artist’s star power or prowess like a great performance on a major stage.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • In general, most experts agree that for a foreign vote-changing scheme to work, spooks would have to get physical access to the casting and counting systems used in thousands of different locations scattered around the country.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026
  • The scheme also aims to start environmental education activities in schools so that sharks will come to be seen as part of the region’s natural heritage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Adidas reportedly spent $67 million on its hero film, Backyard Legends, while Nike also splashed heavily on talent — Kim Kardashian, Kylian Mbappé, Central Cee, and LeBron James, among others — for its competing short, Rip the Script.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • The coaching staff thought the talent the team inherited, with the addition of a few bargain signings, was better than the numbers showed.
    — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • In her lawsuit, Nancy Lemus alleged that on the day prior to the blast, Kelley-Eklund, 41, and Osborn, 58, responded to a call from the Santa Monica Police Department after officers found explosive devices in the garage of an apartment complex.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • Such systems could support future wireless communication technologies operating beyond today’s networks, while also enabling portable imaging devices, chemical sensing systems, industrial inspection tools, and advanced remote-sensing platforms.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sleight

Nglish: Translation of sleight for Spanish Speakers

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