slippery

adjective

ˈsli-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce slippery (audio)
Definition of slipperynext
1
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions a bar where a lot of slippery characters were known to hang out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elusive
hard to find, capture, or isolate a slippery concept that we had trouble understanding

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3
as in slicked
having or being a surface so smooth as to greatly reduce traction had trouble keeping upright on the slippery ice

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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 slippery The technique’s definition is slippery, spanning actors’ deep character study, extreme physical transformations and staying in character for months; some performers reject the label or the practice. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Sprinklers that operate during periods of heavy pedestrian traffic may unnecessarily increase the risk of someone encountering a wet or slippery walkway. — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 His current employer is Damien Cantor, an authentically sleazy and slippery character who operates under no discernible code beyond indulging a dumb, preening narcissism. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 There was another delay of almost an hour while, Verstappen said, teams were trying to update the software to handle slippery conditions. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slippery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slippery
  1. shady
  2. elusive
  3. slicked
  4. slick
  5. greasy
Adjective
  • The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
  • If weather permits, be sure to dine at Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar, which sits beneath a shady grove of trees and overlooks the pool and vineyard.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Yet the discovery of a curative treatment remained elusive until gene therapy.
    — Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Shkreli, who was a pharmaceutical executive and former hedge-fund manager, purchased the elusive album for $2 million at a 2015 auction, which barred him from commercially distributing the LP for 88 years, until 2103.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of elusive
Adjective
  • Between rough-cut fringe, mermaid wave extensions, a bouffant side part and a slicked ponytail, Madix and Bembridge fearlessly sampled every style and silhouette in the big book of hair this season.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
  • But if opting for a slicked knot that eliminates all natural texture feels a little too intense, a relaxed and romantic ballet bun can provide some welcome balance.
    — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of slicked
Adjective
  • Jack Hughes scored on a breakaway off a slick pass from Jesper Bratt early in overtime, lifting the New Jersey Devils to a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The next email had a slick poster promoting the Zoom event, with the book cover as the backdrop and blurbs from the Economist and other publications.
    — Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • Food fried in beef tallow lands crisper and less greasy than food fried in seed oils, with a deeper savory flavor cooks notice right away.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil Have cleansing oils left your skin feeling coated in a greasy film?
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of greasy

Browse Nearby Words

slipperiness
slippery
slipping
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Cite this Entry

“Slippery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slippery. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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