shifty

adjective

ˈshif-tē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
shiftier; shiftiest
Synonyms of shiftynext
1
: full of or ready with expedients : resourceful
2
a
: given to deception, evasion, or fraud : tricky
b
: capable of evasive movement : elusive
a shifty boxer
3
: indicative of a tricky nature
shifty eyes
shiftily
ˈshif-tə-lē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
adverb
shiftiness
ˈshif-tē-nəs How to pronounce shifty (audio)
noun

Synonyms of shifty

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Examples of shifty in a Sentence

shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts shifty practices such as turning back the odometers on used cars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wiggins wears a shifty bowler hat and takes notes on Jol and Louisa, then reports back to Frances. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026 Here, his work leans into the shifty uncanniness of Altman’s two (or more)-facedness. — Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026 It’s been a big offseason for the dynamic receiver, a shifty route runner who’s not the biggest guy, at 6-foot and165 pounds, but his ball skills are elite. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 The shifty guard has grown into one of the NBA's most effective scorers and playmakers, increasing his scoring average in every season of his five-year career. — CBS News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shifty

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shifty was circa 1570

Rhymes for shifty

See All Rhymes for shifty

Browse Nearby Words

shift/tip/tilt the balance of power
shifty
shigella
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shifty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shifty

adjective
ˈshif-tē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
shiftier; shiftiest
1
: not worthy of trust : tricky
2
: indicating a tricky character
shifty eyes
shiftily
-tə-lē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
adverb
shiftiness
-tē-nəs How to pronounce shifty (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shifty

Nglish: Translation of shifty for Spanish Speakers

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