sneaky

adjective

ˈsnē-kē How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
sneakier; sneakiest
Synonyms of sneakynext
: marked by stealth, furtiveness, or shiftiness
a sneaky trick
sneakily
ˈsnē-kə-lē How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
adverb
sneakiness
ˈsnē-kē-nəs How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of sneaky

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Examples of sneaky in a Sentence

They make it look like you're getting a lot more than you really are. It's a sneaky trick. It's a sneaky way of getting people to buy something they don't need.
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.
Politicians can be just as sneaky. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 This delicious, hearty pizza has Italian sausage and a super-sneaky sauce hack. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026 The cowl-neck design also included cutouts along the skirt, creating several sneaky slits. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 June 2026 From shopping for clothes to nailing Parisian style in the heart of the city itself to snagging groceries to make a meal at your Airbnb, these bags are a sneaky hack to streamline your travel days. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneaky

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sneaky was in 1833

Rhymes for sneaky

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Browse Nearby Words

sneak up on
sneaky
sneap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sneaky

adjective
ˈsnē-kē How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
sneakier; sneakiest
1
: behaving in a sly or secret manner
2
: marked by secrecy or slyness
a sneaky trick
sneakily
-kə-lē How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
adverb
sneakiness
-kē-nəs How to pronounce sneaky (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sneaky

Nglish: Translation of sneaky for Spanish Speakers

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