1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
must have employed some sophisticated sleight to con that wary couple out of their money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
a brilliant new theory that pays tribute to his remarkable sleight of mind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity
a muscle-bound weight lifter known more for his might than his sleight
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 sleight
Spending more time with these two main characters as people and not pieces in a shifting sleight-of-hand exercise might give the strong performances a chance to assert themselves more.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
-
Not least because the ruse allows for a Putin or two to die while another survives without toppling the edifice built by the original one.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The defendants never believed the ruse and within hours were sending threatening messages to Rendon, according to prosecutors.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The ability to learn from missteps and continue forward is often what separates successful innovators from the rest.—
Mark Nevins,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Those abilities were on full display when Prolific Prep defeated DME Academy 78-72 on Saturday night in the semifinals of the Grind Session High School Basketball World Championships.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
That’s because sprinting and other plyometrics train fast-twitch muscle fibers — the fibers most responsible for power and agility.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
By focusing on agility, efficiency and compliance, apparel companies can navigate an increasingly complex landscape while maintaining a competitive edge.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Kelly’s portrayal contradicts other characterizations of Drue, including those made in prior legal proceedings, which depicted him as the architect of schemes to conceal assets and manipulate the legal system.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Other parts of the U.K.’s immigration system have been criticized as well, including the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme, which NGOs say leaves people open to various forms of exploitation, debt bondage and forced labor.—
Frey Lindsay,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The elephant’s peek-a-boo prowess wasn’t entirely surprising, given that Gabon has a lot of jungle to vanish into.—
Chris Schalkx,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The outfit’s selling prowess is back on full display this week as a classic from Metallica’s celebrated discography returns to one Billboard chart.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This chip also drives many of the phone's artificial intelligence features, and allows the Pixel 9a to take advantage of all the same AI camera tricks introduced on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
19 Mar. 2025
-
This epic contest showcases talented children in various disciplines, from dance and singing to magic tricks.—
Ximena Nunez,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In some cases, management talent is brought in from the outside but typically there will also be internal promotions.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
This celebration of cinema showcased 93 films from 21 countries, accompanied by an array of film talent and culinary stars.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The overhaul also will bring changes to the agency that scrutinizes the safety of prescription drugs, food and medical devices.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
-
There, Carrie inherits the patent for his electromagnetic device and, to better understand it and him, connects with his collaborators, and enters the vortex of their conspiracies.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share