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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sly
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
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
-
The mood shifts from shady to straight-up scandalous.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, Fenix lost the biggest match of his young WWE career, albeit under shady circumstances, while Americano picked up a WrestleMania win.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 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
Adjective
-
Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
-
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
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
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She’s got some aces up her sleeve, though, like her own hyper-motivated personality (with some refreshing physical fitness to boot) and devoted Secret Service agent Manny (Ramon Rodriguez, the film’s sneaky breakout).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
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
-
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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Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Asked by the newspaper’s lawyers to explain how the furtive system worked, Mr. Frankel typed up a 14-page memo.—
David W. Dunlap,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Several of these involve a furtive religious cult known as the Scars — its adherents have a way of pussyfooting through the forest and doing absolutely horrible things to nonbelievers.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
12 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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