1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
the movie pairs a sly, dissembling ex-con with an upstanding, straight-arrow cop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions
why, you sly fellow! I had no idea you were planning my birthday party a sly undercover police officer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a sly sense of humor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in subtlety
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sly
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
His cocksure sendup of a particular mystic-himbo archetype contributes a strain of sly comedy to a film otherwise marked by a sincere intensity of feeling.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
There’s a sly playfulness in Gerster’s handling of the story, molding a character study into something closer to a thriller.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Adjective
Saxon looks stunned, but his younger bro wears a sly smile.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
His cocksure sendup of a particular mystic-himbo archetype contributes a strain of sly comedy to a film otherwise marked by a sincere intensity of feeling.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
There’s a sly playfulness in Gerster’s handling of the story, molding a character study into something closer to a thriller.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sly
Adjective
-
With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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It’s implied that before going into construction, Levon had brought his military training into civilian life in some shady (though likely heroic) capacity or another — maybe even kidnap recovery.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2025
-
During a recent conversation with legendary radio host Big Boy, the 26-year-old spoke about her haters and shady tension that led to this notion.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Ramona is an imaginative (and mischievous) fourth grader who is always up to something.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
10 Apr. 2025
-
However, the house is haunted, and the group must confront their differences to survive the night against a host of mischievous ghosts.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In discussion with Deadline, Thornton subtlety confirmed that Elliott had joined the cast after answering a question about working with his old pals Moore and Andy Garcia.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
-
But what truly fascinated him was the subtlety of its mode of action.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
13 Apr. 2025
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Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Kyle and Kamilla are back at it With nary an ally in sight, the butt doctor seemed like a goner, but Kyle and Kamilla were up to their sneaky tricks again.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to creating faux freckles, they can be used as a sneaky acne cover-up.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Based on the famed Brothers Grimm tale, the story follows a princess who is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make Snow White part of their household after she’s exiled into a dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2025
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The offence O’Reilly’s draft day scouting reports suggested the Oilers chose a middle-six centre (second or third line) with wicked checking ability and enough offence to project into a feature role if everything worked out.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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There have been subtle hints of Bayley turning on Valkyria to further their feud for the Intercontinental title.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sly. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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