as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
we were both impressed and outraged by the expert slickness with which the swindler fooled us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slickness
Noun
-
On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025 -
But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one) Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
There is no room for subtlety in a successful vertical.—
Joshua Hunt,
Vulture,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Instead, imagine kicking back at ease in the mogul’s sky-high retreat that sprawls out over nearly 5,000 square feet.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
2 June 2025
-
But all these threats are handled with remarkable ease.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
While not necessarily with the same resume as Mitchell, Smith’s defensive guile and ability to space the floor with his shooting could stand as a low-cost alternative to Mitchell, likely at the veteran minimum.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 May 2025
-
But here, Gyllenhaal mesmerizes in a career-best performance that taps into the infinite well of his talent, portraying Iago’s scorching resentment, guile and humor.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Slickness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slickness. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share