slick
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for slick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Smooth and slippery, often because of a coating of liquid.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use slick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English slīc, "sleek, smooth, crafty," tracing to a Germanic root meaning "to glide, smooth, spread."
Full origin of slick →Frequently asked questions
What does “slick” mean?
The word “slick” means smooth and slippery, often because of a coating of liquid. In plain terms, smooth and slippery in the literal sense, or impressively polished (sometimes suspiciously so) in the figurative sense.
How do you pronounce “slick”?
“Slick” is pronounced slihk (/slɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “slick” in a sentence?
Here is “slick” used in a sentence: “The road was slick with rain, so she slowed down.”
What part of speech is “slick”?
Depending on how it is used, “slick” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “slick” come from?
The word “slick” comes from Old English. From Old English slīc, "sleek, smooth, crafty," tracing to a Germanic root meaning "to glide, smooth, spread.".
Is “slick” a common word?
“Slick” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “slick” have?
“Slick” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: smooth and slippery, often because of a coating of liquid.
What is the difference between the literal and figurative meanings of 'slick'?
The literal meaning of 'slick' describes something smooth and slippery, often because of a coating of liquid, such as a slick road. The figurative meaning describes something impressively smooth and polished in style, sometimes to the point of seeming untrustworthy, such as a slick salesman.
Is 'slick' a compliment or a criticism?
It depends on context: 'slick' can be a compliment describing something impressively polished and professional, such as slick design, or a mild criticism suggesting someone is too smooth or polished to be fully trusted.
What is an oil slick?
An oil slick is a layer of oil spread across a surface, typically water, using the noun sense of 'slick' meaning a layer of liquid coating a surface.