SLYLY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

slyly

adverb

variants also slily

Definition of slyly

as in cunningly

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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 slyly But his profound reflections are punctuated by superb slapstick, slyly symbolic sleight-of-hand and, yes, some serious Shakespeare that make for an equally entertaining and thought-provoking hour. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2026 Ever since ’Daya slyly popped out with a giant rock on her ring finger, the couple has been pretty private about confirming their next life stage. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 Featuring a cast of creatures from ravens to coyotes, the record is slyly immersive without calling too much attention to Meiburg’s sylvan collaborators. — David Harris, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026 In photos obtained by Fox News, Nader could be seen slyly avoiding a wardrobe malfunction, as the playsuit almost slipped out of place. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 28 July 2026 Outkick was in the process of breaking the news of his ouster on Monday when ESPN PR pulled him during a commercial break in the midst of NFL Live, while not so slyly trying to get The Athletic to break the story instead. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 The lasting impact of the series would be unthinkable without the Barnabas character – the vampire was even slyly name-checked in the current hit Apple TV+ series Widow’s Bay. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026 The exhibition’s framing of Hamdi as the conscientious Orientalist feels slyly designed to disarm judgment of his work, and even to neutralize his professional misdeeds. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slyly

Adverb

Penelope remains faithful and rules Ithaca in his absence, cunningly stalling her suitors.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 July 2026
But cunningly, in the years since 1945—and responsibly and rightly, too—the United States put together a system where most of the other strong countries were also friends.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of cunningly

Adverb

As the only standalone English track of the album, its lyrics speak of a situationship so suspended in uncertainty that Selines craftily matched it with the sonic sensation of floating into outer space.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Some players struggled against the size of bigger and stronger players, while others craftily created space with deft footwork and manipulation.

— Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

Definition of craftily

Adverb

There are cities where rats are glimpsed at night, furtively scurrying into a dark corner or among the train tracks.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026
Jordan may wish to exact revenge, and Eddy may want to find one of the victims who has vanished, but both have to go about their work furtively.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of furtively

Adverb

That virtue is undermined here by leads with minimal chemistry, one of them inexpressive and the other archly theatrical, by design if not to rewarding effect.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2026
The show, which followed a crooked New Mexican lawyer, played by Bob Odenkirk, was an archly funny drama, shot partly in gritty black-and-white.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Definition of archly

Adverb

The film is certainly casting a spell, and whether or not that’s simply cynical (and insidiously effective) marketing doesn’t much matter when you’re caught up in it.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
In the American West, where playing dress-up in reenactments and photo booths and even city streets is already so commonplace, this line of questioning is insidiously limited.

— Téa Obreht, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of insidiously

Adverb

Research into psychedelics for depression, PTSD, end-of-life care, and anxiety has exploded, and overall recreational usage has risen sharply.

— Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
While the national average cost of regular gasoline has risen sharply over the past week, California prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, according to AAA.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of sharply

Browse Nearby Words

slyboots

slyly

slyness

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“Slyly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slyly. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of slyly

adverb

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