sneaky
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of sneaky
Explanation
If you're devious or tricky, you might be described as sneaky. Tiptoeing up behind your napping dad to scare him would be sneaky. You might watch your sneaky cat stalking an oblivious squirrel, or act sneaky yourself — slipping quietly into your brother's room to borrow his favorite sweater without asking first. Anytime you make sure not to be seen doing something, you're being sneaky. Sneaky most likely has roots in the Middle English sniken, "to creep or crawl."
Vocabulary lists containing sneaky
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sneaky contracts, producers and directors who won't call you back.
From Salon • May 6, 2023
“We always joke with Pally that he just finds a way. Sneaky P found a way to put one in.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2022
Nick Stewart is the director and booker for Sneaky Pete's nightclub in Edinburgh, as well as Scottish coordinator for the Music Venue Trust.
From BBC • Dec. 17, 2021
There will also be a handful of gameplay tweaks over the holidays, as Epic is bringing back items like the Sneaky Snowman and snowball launcher.
From The Verge • Dec. 16, 2021
“We’ll go check,” Sneaky says, pulling my arm.
From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
