Dictionary.com

tricky

[ trik-ee ]
/ ˈtrɪk i /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: tricky / trickily / trickiness on Thesaurus.com
adjective, trick·i·er, trick·i·est.
given to or characterized by deceitful tricks; crafty; wily.
skilled in clever tricks or dodges.
deceptive, uncertain, or difficult to deal with or handle.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tricky

First recorded in 1780–90; trick + -y1

OTHER WORDS FROM tricky

trick·i·ly, adverbtrick·i·ness, noun

Words nearby tricky

tricks of the trade, tricksome, trickster, tricksy, trick-track, tricky, triclad, triclinic, triclinium, triclosan, tricolette
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to tricky

complex, critical, delicate, intricate, knotty, precarious, problematic, risky, rocky, sensitive, sticky, thorny, ticklish, touchy, unstable, shifty, slippery, smooth, subtle, treacherous

How to use tricky in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tricky

tricky
/ (ˈtrɪkɪ) /
adjective trickier or trickiest
involving snags or difficultiesa tricky job
needing careful and tactful handlinga tricky situation
characterized by tricks; sly; wilya tricky dealer

Derived forms of tricky

trickily, adverbtrickiness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK