as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
the slyness with which the FBI agent infiltrated the subversive organization without their knowledge was indeed impressive
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Recent Examples of slyness
The harp is not an instrument of slyness, wryness, or the earth.
—
Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
—Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
—Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slyness
Noun
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For everyone else, including this freelance journalist without an expense account, the approach is more like a military-level obstacle course designed to test your cunning and will.—
Jada Yuan,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
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The quality that drew Kurosawa to Yonezawa’s novel in the first place is not valor or cunning but something considerably less heroic.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Because the costumes are designed by a master, there are hints, cues, little ways that each young lady is able to make her inner self visible, even when it must be done subtlety to avoid the negative attention and terrifying punishments that Gilead’s leadership revels in.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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The astrologer adds that just like a Virgo, this style doesn't seek attention but perfection, as shown by the fact that everything has its place, every element serves a purpose, and the beauty lies in the subtlety and care behind the design.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slyness. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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