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Synonym Chooser

How is the word tricky distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of tricky are artful, crafty, cunning, foxy, slick, sly, and wily. While all these words mean "attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means," tricky is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering.

a tricky political operative

When can artful be used instead of tricky?

While the synonyms artful and tricky are close in meaning, artful implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness.

elicited the information by artful questioning

When is it sensible to use crafty instead of tricky?

While in some cases nearly identical to tricky, crafty implies cleverness and subtlety of method.

a crafty lefthander

When might cunning be a better fit than tricky?

The words cunning and tricky can be used in similar contexts, but cunning suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing.

the cunning fox avoided the trap

When would foxy be a good substitute for tricky?

The synonyms foxy and tricky are sometimes interchangeable, but foxy implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing.

a foxy publicity man planting stories

When is slick a more appropriate choice than tricky?

In some situations, the words slick and tricky are roughly equivalent. However, slick emphasizes smoothness and guile.

slick operators selling time-sharing

When could sly be used to replace tricky?

The words sly and tricky are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sly implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods.

a sly corporate raider

Where would wily be a reasonable alternative to tricky?

The meanings of wily and tricky largely overlap; however, wily implies skill and deception in maneuvering.

the wily fugitive escaped the posse

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 tricky If Kennedy’s purported understanding with the food industry falls through and companies balk, Kennedy’s and Makary’s jobs will become trickier. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025 Because Carter’s son was not old enough to take possession of his estate, however, things got a little tricky. Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2025 Playing in Montreal in the postseason is a tricky thing. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Figuring out how to remove a tree stump can be tricky, depending on your situation. Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tricky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tricky
Adjective
  • The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The task for Denver tonight will be that much more difficult if Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) is unavailable or limited.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Published in English, Tehelka had a small circulation but an outsized reputation for tough investigations.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Jimmie Woods-Gray, a member of the city’s fire commission, said that cutting the Equity Bureau is a necessary step in a tough budget year.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • More: Are cute children's books teaching kids about gender and sexuality?
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • If the plant is especially sensitive to sitting in water, raise it up by setting a small plank or block underneath.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Emotive, enchanting and exotic, the track weaves kalimba and chanting vocals with soft, brooding piano and string parts — and even a subtle harp.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For years, Chicago Public School officials would send dozens of names of problematic employees to monthly board meetings for their dismissals to be signed off on.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Emilia Pérez star courted controversy after past problematic posts resurfaced.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Without resources or expertise to vet influencers properly, these companies become vulnerable to deceptive practices.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In 2022, the California DMV sued Tesla, saying the company engaged in deceptive marketing and advertising practices around its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tricky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tricky. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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