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Synonyms

sneaky

American  
[snee-kee] / ˈsni ki /

adjective

sneakier, sneakiest

  1. like or suggestive of a sneak; furtive; deceitful.

Other Word Forms

  • sneakily adverb
  • sneakiness noun
  • unsneaky adjective

Etymology

Origin of sneaky

First recorded in 1825–35; sneak + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Mr. Lithgow’s performance is infused with a sneaky playfulness evoking the “broken boy,” as Jessie puts it, still cavorting in the hulk of an elderly man.

From The Wall Street Journal

What had started as a covert and sneaky operation was now a full-blown mob scene.

From Literature

But Everton won here last season and, given how good they are on the road, I just have a sneaky feeling they will get something this time too.

From BBC

He was not set upon by unreasonable hordes or ambushed by sneaky types.

From Literature

That's because her furniture, clothes and even members of her family all made sneaky appearances to prank her as part of Michael McIntyre's Big Show.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.