1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
must have employed some sophisticated sleight to con that wary couple out of their money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
a brilliant new theory that pays tribute to his remarkable sleight of mind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity
a muscle-bound weight lifter known more for his might than his sleight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sleight
Spending more time with these two main characters as people and not pieces in a shifting sleight-of-hand exercise might give the strong performances a chance to assert themselves more.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023
That's when the Wildcats caught fire from outside, thanks to Nowell's sleight-of-hand passing that kept MSU defenders guessing.
—Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2023
In Gustafson’s version of a play commonly called a fumblerooski, sleight-of-hand was only half the trick.
—Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022
Whatever its relevance, that passage can stand as a fascinating exposé of a supposedly gifted medium as nothing more than a sleight-of-hand artist.
—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
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Richie buys Harry's ruse regarding Tommy's murder, but there's a catch.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The wedding started as an elaborate three-way ruse concocted by Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese American man; his white boyfriend, Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein); and Wei-Wei, an undocumented Chinese immigrant.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At the heart of that debate is a nearly century-old legal precedent: Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that limited the President’s ability to remove leaders of independent agencies without cause.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
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Hunter’s defense, ball handling ability and 3-point shooting shined in March Madness and her inclusion in the starting five also brought out the best in Van Lith.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Defense said the weapon's official name pays tribute to the eagle, known for its speed, stealth, and agility.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
26 Apr. 2025
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Lessons From $15 Billion Of Cross-Border Experience Here are three truths that have shaped my approach to retail asset management over the years: • Cap-ex agility beats cap-ex volume.—
Aurele Gouy,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Nearly 30 years ago California legislators faced a test of their integrity in voting for an electricity deregulation scheme that ratepayers are still paying for.—
Jamie Court,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Minnesota Vikings Needs: RB, D-line, CB, S Ole Miss CB Trey Amos: Amos has good instincts around the ball and the press coverage skills needed to fit Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, which places cornerbacks on an island most of the time. 25.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While state courts have increasingly dismissed climate lawsuits as meritless, superfund laws are growing in popularity as another way to gut U.S. energy prowess.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.—
ANU BRADFORD,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Another simple trick to avoid seeming evasive: Answer questions with yes or no, first; get into the explanation afterwards.—
Rob Davis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And while there’s some individual talent throughout the roster, the team hasn’t won anything with this core.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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Still, she's come to terms with the fact that given her talent and aspirations, fame—and selfies—are always going to be part of the job.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
21 Apr. 2025
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Use a filtration device or air conditioning with a filter in your home.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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