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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sly
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
That sounded like a sly attempt by the plaintiffs to put more pressure on the red states to make their own case for the wholesale destructiveness of the NIH order, in public.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
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
That sounded like a sly attempt by the plaintiffs to put more pressure on the red states to make their own case for the wholesale destructiveness of the NIH order, in public.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sly
Adjective
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Unlike Mitch McConnell, the taciturn and cunning leader at the time, Thune genuinely tried to answer questions.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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But what Neil is accused of is something well beyond cunning or perfidy or faithlessness, well beyond questionable morality.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 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
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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
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Today the answer to such a question would be merely one data point among many where mischievous and politicized enforcement appears to rule the day.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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And no one can remain beautiful, in the same way, forever, though Kilmer’s mischievous, take-no-prisoners smile hadn’t changed much.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, shop cute styles for brunch with friends or date night.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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This cute upstairs cafe at the English Market is a great choice for tea, cakes or lunch.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Rag & Bone Miramar Refine Knit McKenna Shorts, $134 with code Your jeans collection isn’t the only section of your wardrobe that can benefit from Rag & Bone’s Miramar offerings: The brand offers sneaky sweatpant shorts, too.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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That includes a starring role alongside Bruce Willis in the time-travel actioner Looper (2012), a sneaky voice cameo in Glass Onion (2022), and the lead in an episode of Johnson’s murder mystery series Poker Face (2023).—
Danny Horn,
EW.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Well, that and 98-mph fastballs and wicked breaking pitches.—
John Romano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Apr. 2025
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Chances are its uninhibited critique of privilege, political satire, and wicked social commentary would be softened or edited out.—
Viren Naidu,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Adding peas introduces a subtle sweetness and pop of freshness, balancing the richness of the eggs and bacon.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Apr. 2025
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The game is a fun but challenging exercise for your brain which asks players to group words based on subtle and sometimes tricky connections, which tests your logic and language skills.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Only the occasional woman or old man appears on the streets, making furtive bread runs before quickly heading home; young men are nowhere to be found.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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Lucas then follows his target into the public restroom, where the glances, usually via mirrors, become less furtive.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Sly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sly. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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