sly
0 antonyms and opposites of sly, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Cleverly deceptive or secretive, often in a mischievous way.
How to use sly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Norse "slœgr," meaning cunning or crafty, literally "capable of striking" — related to the English word "sleight," as in "sleight of hand."
Full origin of sly →Frequently asked questions
What does “sly” mean?
The word “sly” means cleverly deceptive or secretive, often in a mischievous way. In plain terms, clever in a sneaky or scheming way.
How do you pronounce “sly”?
“Sly” is pronounced sleye (/slaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sly” in a sentence?
Here is “sly” used in a sentence: “She gave a sly smile before revealing the surprise.”
What is another word for “sly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sly” include artful, crafty, cunning, knowing, sharp and shifty.
What part of speech is “sly”?
“Sly” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sly” come from?
The word “sly” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse "slœgr," meaning cunning or crafty, literally "capable of striking" — related to the English word "sleight," as in "sleight of hand.".
Is “sly” a common word?
“Sly” is an uncommon word in modern English.