TRICKSY Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

tricksy

adjective

ˈtrik-sē

Definition of tricksy

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling it's a bit tricksy to have a candid conversation with the company president without appearing to be either presumptuous or obsequious

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a tricksy provocateur who will make the most outrageous statements just to get a reaction

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 tricksy The structure is a bit tricksier, flipping between the present — which finds our two inevitable lovers estranged and in their early thirties — and a staggered series of flashbacks catching up to it. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026 Such films sometimes feel like tricksy technical experiments. — The Economist, 18 June 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tricksy

Adjective

Performances across the board are strong, even if the characterizations themselves are more difficult to embrace.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Making short-haul rail more competitive Parallel argues that its system could open routes that are currently difficult for conventional rail services to serve economically, particularly journeys under 500 miles.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones considers this the perfect balance between a not-too-fussy and not-too-structured chignon, a style that sounds tough to style without a professional team but is actually quite easy to master at-home.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Coming off that dominant performance against the Yankees, Rasmussen went six-plus tough innings.

— Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of wicked

Adjective

Another network had received the notification by late Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive details.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Pictet seemed sensitive to the moral risk of going into Syria for the wrong reasons.

— Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Among them was Chromeo, whose sleek, playful funk sound traveled through the city’s indie and electronic scenes.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
These glasses have plenty of personality with playful prints, unexpected motifs, and fun patterns.

— Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of playful

Adjective

International funding, Patil says, means long waits, complicated contracts and co-production treaties, and Indian filmmakers end up chasing the same grants as professionals from wealthier countries.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Birmingham Industrious, unassuming Birmingham has overcome an at-times fraught and complicated past to develop food, music, and cultural scenes that show the world why it's called the Magic City.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of complicated

Adjective

Winds across the San Joaquin Valley floor could gust 15-20 mph at times Thursday and Friday, with the majority of more problematic winds reserved for the Sierra foothills.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Paul Robeson’s films from the 1930s are sometimes problematic and can pander to colonial ideas about Black people.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of problematic

Browse Nearby Words

tricksters

tricksy

tricky

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“Tricksy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tricksy. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tricksy

adjective

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