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
Huang’s music is a virtuosic combination of expressive vocal lines, splendid orchestral effects and instrumental sleight-of-hand, conjuring up grand theatrical explosions and probing spiritual lessons with equal ease.
—
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
In this cinematic sleight-of-hand, the Four Horsemen work with a new generation of illusionists to bring down a criminal network.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025
Her signature spin move and sleight-of-hand dribbling are slow-motion mood boosters.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
From sleight-of-hand tricks to daring stunts, the afternoon is designed to keep the laughs and gasps coming.
—Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
In this cinematic sleight-of-hand, the Four Horsemen work with a new generation of illusionists to bring down a criminal network.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025
Her signature spin move and sleight-of-hand dribbling are slow-motion mood boosters.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
From sleight-of-hand tricks to daring stunts, the afternoon is designed to keep the laughs and gasps coming.
—Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
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Six phone calls made from one of the suspect numbers — in between calls to the San Francisco victim on the day of his robbery — were to a Los Angeles man who was zip-tied, duct-taped and beaten inside his Los Angeles home on New Year’s Eve, following a delivery ruse.—
Megan Cassidy,
San Francisco Chronicle,
3 Apr. 2026
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Antoine’s art dealer Armand (Lellouche), desperate to keep Antoine from falling apart, urges Suzanne to keep the ruse alive.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That is extremely important because it is connected directly to the ability to hire new employees.—
Opinion Staff,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Hill said his ability to read an offense comes from his vast experience.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These companies outperform their peers on employee experience—from agility and innovation to leadership behaviors.—
Michael Bush,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
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The system, showcased in its AERIX T-16 platform, promises greater agility and control, opening the door to advanced applications in defense, logistics, and inspection.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Old dog learns new tricks UConn forward Alex Karaban, who played on the 2023 and ’24 champions, is attempting to become the first non-UCLA player to win three national championships.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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The brain bug's intrinsic ick factor is undeniably high, but using their proboscises to suck thoughts directly from the brains of their unfortunate victims is a pretty neat party trick.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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On May 1, Taylor will bring her fiery prowess to Heritage Barbecue for a one-night, 42-seat dinner alongside lauded pitmaster Daniel Castillo.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
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Throughout his time at Ontario High and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Glover also added football into the mix and ultimately became best known for his wrestling prowess (despite feeling quite intimidated by his college teammate at the time, Chuck Liddell, who ultimately became an MMA star).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The prosecution said all along that the two younger defendants were part of the scheme, but Alaniz Pineda was the one who shot Canoy.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Apr. 2026
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Authorities arrested eight people accused of conducting a series of health care fraud schemes that bilked tens of millions of dollars from Medicare and other insurance companies across Southern California, prosecutors announced April 2.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Some programs have built their identity on hard coaching or amassing the most talent possible, and while Campbell isn’t soft on his players, he’s opted to create a culture of joy that’s led to TCU signing Van Lith and Miles.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
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But fans online have panned the card for lacking top talent such as former two-division champion Jon Jones, who requested his release from the UFC immediately after being excluded from the White House show.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Consider a misting device or a drop fountain.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Police were alerted about the cash-trap devices by a bank, which then told the customer, McKeever said.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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