SNEAKY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

sneaky

adjective

ˈsnē-kē

Definition of sneaky

as in shady

given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions his opponent's sneaky campaign manager was clearly up to something

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sneak

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a sneaky plan to replace the priceless painting with a copy

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 sneaky This is a sneaky mistake and one of the most common ones business partners make. — Leslie John, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 That said, smart shoppers know that showing up early is the best way to get sneaky deals, and gaming PCs are no exception. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 The Trasks encounter a wide swath of citizens, haggling with sneaky cheats, exploiting innocent fools, and befriending big-hearted neighbors. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026 Finding those sneaky lineup plays could make all the difference. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneaky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneaky

Adjective

Beyond litigation, the center runs the Florida Trident news site, which has published award-winning investigative journalism about everything from aging nuclear power plants to shady government contractors.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Scientists figured it was stuck in a shady spot where sunlight couldn't reach its solar panels.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of shady

Adjective

The District 13 rebels and the Capitol engage in a series of attacks, counterattacks, and clandestine missions.

— Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 2026
The Devoto Prison in Buenos Aires functioned as a clandestine detention and torture center under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Third Corps.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

Pumps, ballerinas, high-vamp heels, or Mary Janes have a sly, almost theatrical vibe when paired with such a feminine bottom.

— Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026
The light sculptures, which vary from sconce-like creations to hulking constructions out of a sci-fi movie, have a sly sense of humor and a human quality.

— Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of sly

Adjective

Robert Popowski allegedly began communicating with the undercover detective in July, according to law enforcement officials.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2026
After all, this is an institution that prizes itself on secrecy, deploying its undercover diners to restaurants the world in hopes of getting an accurate reporting of a typical dining experience.

— Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of undercover

Adjective

Pelacarsen targets a stealthy and particularly lethal form of cholesterol called lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026
Stephenson’s storytelling finesse – clever reveals, discursive side quests, stealthy plot twists – shines in this robust tale of British journalist Owen and his globe-spanning search for a missing English earl in 1934.

— Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of stealthy

Adjective

In the second season of Black Doves, Knightley’s Helen remains part of the covert Black Doves organization, but complications arise after her husband Wallace (Andrew Buchan) is elected Prime Minister.

— Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2026
Speaking separately to Fox News Digital, Al Nuaimi argued that negotiations with Tehran should address not only its nuclear program and regional proxies, but also covert networks operating in other countries.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of covert

Adjective

Contributor Yelena Alpert has a sneaking suspicion that these Frette slippers will last a lifetime, attributing her hypothesis to the shoe’s superior quality.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
The package includes free breakfast for your plus-one (no more sneaking snacks away from the conference), a signature drink each night (perfect for unwinding after your workday ends), and 1,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points.

— Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

Definition of sneaking

Browse Nearby Words

sneak up

sneaky

sneer

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“Sneaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneaky. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sneaky

adjective

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