sly
12 synonyms and 5 antonyms for sly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Cleverly deceptive or secretive, often in a mischievous way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Antonyms
How to use sly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sly grin
sly fox
on the sly
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.
