slyness

noun

Definition of slynessnext
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means the slyness with which the FBI agent infiltrated the subversive organization without their knowledge was indeed impressive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 slyness The harp is not an instrument of slyness, wryness, or the earth. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness. — Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026 Ay, the superb slyness of that last response! — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slyness
  1. cunning
  2. subtlety
Noun
  • Since the second Inauguration, the Trumps and their satraps have operated with all the commercial cunning of the Corleone family; the White House is their front, their Genco Pura Olive Oil Company.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • The Concept 7 Protection’s subtlety is a result of it being designed to provide security while moving quietly through the regular world, as opposed to an active war zone.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • One of my personal highlights was the Dries Van Noten show, which demonstrated a particularly sophisticated approach to color, combining richness, subtlety and emotion.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of subtlety

Browse Nearby Words

slyly
slyness
smack
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Cite this Entry

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

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