slyest
Trickiest of all
Slyest is the superlative of sly—the most cunning, crafty, or cleverly deceptive.
Someone described as the slyest is craftier than all others in comparison: She was the slyest negotiator in the room.
The word often carries a note of grudging admiration for someone's wiliness.
Skilled at deception
- craftyCleverly deceptive
- artfulCleverly deceptive
- guilefulInclined toward deception
- schemingCrafty and calculating
calculating · conniving · shrewd · clever · devious · manipulative · subtle · tricky
Practically clever, perceptive
- perceptiveQuick to understand
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- keenSharp or enthusiastic
- cleverShowing mental quickness
discerning · quick-witted · savvy · canny · knowing · wise · insightful · smart
Deliberately deceptive in nature
- deceitfulInclined to mislead others
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
two-faced · dissembling · insidious · misleading · shifty · crooked · unscrupulous · false
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
secretive · stealthy · hidden · undercover · undetected · silent · catlike · shadowy
wily
Skilled at deception
scheming · calculating · conniving · shrewd · clever · devious · manipulative · subtle · tricky · ingenious
shrewd
Practically clever, perceptive
- perceptiveQuick to understand
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- keenSharp or enthusiastic
clever · discerning · quick-witted · savvy · canny · knowing · wise · insightful · smart · sharp-eyed
duplicitous
Deliberately deceptive in nature
- deceitfulInclined to mislead others
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- dishonestInclined to deceive
untrustworthy · two-faced · dissembling · insidious · misleading · shifty · crooked · unscrupulous · false · lying
furtive
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
clandestine · secretive · stealthy · hidden · undercover · undetected · silent · catlike · shadowy · inconspicuous