sly
adjective
cunning or wily.
slyness
-
a word derived from
sly.
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.
That it got made before the strict enforcement of the Production Code allowed for a few more liberties than would shortly be permitted, but its bedrock slyness and winking tone are elemental.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026
But Mill's Dortmund team-mate Norbert Dickel perhaps summed up his slyness best of all when describing him with the pun: "He is washed with all wastewaters."
From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2021
The future “Pee-wee” showrunner said Paragon had a “wickedness and a slyness and ... a naughty edge” to his humor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2021
But none equaled the scale, scope, slyness or perfection of the original.
From Washington Post ● May 24, 2021
Her eyes met mine in the mirror, and her whole face assumed a kind of slyness: squinted eyes, pursed lips.
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
