slyly
Americanadverb
-
in a deceitful manner; cunningly.
They slyly plot to overthrow us.
-
in a roguish or mischievous way.
Some were serious, while others slyly winked at the camera.
Etymology
Origin of slyly
First recorded 1350–1400 slyly ( def. 1 ); 1835–40 slyly ( def. 2 ); sly ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing slyly
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.
Next to them, Colbert plied his art slyly, even mildly, but regularly and in ways the nerdiest students of comedy could appreciate.
From Salon • May 21, 2026
"It's a captivating, slyly sophisticated novel," said Natasha Brown, the chair of the judging panel.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Through Valerie, Kudrow slyly performs our terminal habit of downgrading devastating developments to champagne problems, merrily chirping her character’s catchphrase, “How’s that?”
From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026
Mr. Broderick, himself a sometime movie star, brings a slyly funny air of noblesse oblige that dovetails amusingly with Jay’s pompous, blinkered dimness.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
Sean was always the biggest perpetrator of said strategy, especially on days when he had a quiz in another class and wanted to slyly check his index cards while she prattled on.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
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.
