1
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions
his opponent's sneaky campaign manager was clearly up to something
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sneak
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others
a sneaky plan to replace the priceless painting with a copy
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 sneaky
The suede exterior and leather details on the tongue and heel elevate them enough to look stylish on business trips, while the sneaky perforations on the upper add extra breathability.
—
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
In a sneaky legislative maneuver tied into the effort to pass a funding bill and avert a government shutdown, House Republicans earlier this week successfully blocked Democrats from forcing votes and debate on President Donald Trump's controversial tariffs.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Vikings added on the interior of the offensive line (Kelly) and prioritized a sneaky signing (Rodgers).
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
The best part of furniture pieces that feature sneaky storage is the ability to get double the use out of just one item.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sneaky
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
In a sneaky legislative maneuver tied into the effort to pass a funding bill and avert a government shutdown, House Republicans earlier this week successfully blocked Democrats from forcing votes and debate on President Donald Trump's controversial tariffs.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Vikings added on the interior of the offensive line (Kelly) and prioritized a sneaky signing (Rodgers).
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
The best part of furniture pieces that feature sneaky storage is the ability to get double the use out of just one item.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sneaky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneaky
Adjective
-
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
-
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,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Director Jeremy Workman and editor Paul Murphy knew there was more nuance to the story than a clandestine performance piece, though.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2025
-
TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But the website also has messages about residents being startled, as Catanzaro was, by stealthy contractors with air guns.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Ones that lift and lower, offer stealthy storage, and blend into the walls By Erika Owen and Shoko Wanger All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In a hearing Tuesday, Mr. Ratcliffe said the officer was not undercover.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Attorneys for the Department of Justice are contesting Taal’s alleged timeline of the facts, after his lawyers said undercover immigration officers showed up at his residence last week in retaliation for filing the lawsuit.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Then Gungnir covert sniper rifle seems like a bargain, relatively speaking, at just $12,867.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
In the letter, Grassley wrote that the records would help shine a light on the Nazi planning of the covert escape routes.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This week, Alphonse grapples with the yearning for the 2000s in UK underground rap videos.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
21 Mar. 2025
-
In that time, Tucci appeared in a number of films as either a foot soldier, don, or other apparatchik of an underground criminal organization, including Quick Change, Men of Respect, Billy Bathgate, and The Public Eye.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sneaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneaky. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share