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
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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
Carol is understandably freaked out; the robot is straight from the uncanny valley, with Dobbins and the filmmakers delivering a thoroughly unsettling sleight-of-hand.
—
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Curtsies, snubs, sleights and behavior becoming (or unbecoming) of a Regency woman must pass a certain muster, because the world of the play is dependent upon dramaturgical accuracy.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
Fugitive was wanted in 3 countries, NYC CBS News New York saw video that shows a man and a woman engaging in a sleight-of-hand con that ended with the woman slipping an $11,000 diamond bracelet into her other hand.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Curtsies, snubs, sleights and behavior becoming (or unbecoming) of a Regency woman must pass a certain muster, because the world of the play is dependent upon dramaturgical accuracy.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
Fugitive was wanted in 3 countries, NYC CBS News New York saw video that shows a man and a woman engaging in a sleight-of-hand con that ended with the woman slipping an $11,000 diamond bracelet into her other hand.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sleight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleight
Noun
-
Operation Mincemeat was such a successful ruse that even after the Allies’ arrival, German forces continued to leave the island for Greece or Sardinia, still certain that Sicily was just a diversion.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Ultimately, the report states, the video call was a ruse, falsely portraying the child as safe and in the care of a non-relative in California.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Is there a better gift to future generations than the ability to see the universe, dream and be inspired again?—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maxey and George have had to carry almost all of Philadelphia’s offensive responsibility, and the 76ers desperately need Embiid’s ability to create offense and gravity in half-court situations.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nick needs to possess a great deal of agility and anxiety.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Her pen moves with the same agility as her voice.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Lemon was also the Trojans’ primary return man during his sophomore and junior seasons and was even used on a trick play against Oregon this season that resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass to then-freshman Tanook Hines.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The trio of Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm and Geekie can be trick-or-treat and Sturm was well aware of that when the series began.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For King Charles, the trip will be a test of his diplomatic prowess.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There were no lies told about this team’s postseason prowess.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Depth chart impact Hunter has scheme versatility, but most analysts project him as a nose tackle, where Bobby Brown is the Panthers’ incumbent.—
Tobias Bass,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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This new court filing is a transparent forum-shopping tactic in their scheme to obtain hundreds of millions of dollars from Michael’s estate and companies.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many of DeCosta’s peers revere his talent-evaluation skills, roster-building approach and intensity.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sometimes the batteries on the trackers would run low, and McGovern’s team would need to remove and recharge the devices, before surreptitiously replacing them.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
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Be sure to use the slider at the bottom of the page if their answers don’t fit the screen on your device.—
Mark Dee
April 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sleight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleight. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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