slyly

[ slahy-lee ]

adverb

1. in a deceitful manner; cunningly:

   They slyly plot to overthrow us.

2. in a roguish or mischievous way:

   Some were serious, while others slyly winked at the camera.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slyly¹

First recorded 1350–1400 slyly ( def 1 ); 1835–40 slyly ( def 2 ); sly ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

It has been quoted by congressional lawmakers, spoofed by Marvel and slyly referenced on “Jeopardy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Peering into the crowd Raitt slyly said, “Well, if I was a betting woman…” earning raucous cheers.

From Los Angeles Times

Kushner, accessing the brash style that made her 2013 novel, “The Flamethrowers,” a surprise breakthrough, also slyly works in riffs on human evolution, mob mentality and the perils of managing multiple identities.

From Los Angeles Times

When she looked away, Sara slyly slid one of the jewelry boxes off the counter and into her backpack.

From Literature

Williams has impressed other artists with her slyly funny, graphically sophisticated scenes that often depict female subjects with an eye to upending the traditional “male gaze” power dynamic.

From New York Times

Related Words

• shrewdly