What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumventive
Example
The company used a circumventive strategy to avoid paying taxes. [circumventive: adjective]
Example
She found a circumventive solution to get past the security system. [circumventive: noun]
sneaky
Example
He took a sneaky peek at her diary when she wasn't looking. [sneaky: adjective]
Example
The cat made a sneaky move to steal a piece of chicken from the table. [sneaky: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sneaky is more commonly used than circumventive in everyday language. Sneaky is a colloquial term that is widely understood, while circumventive is more specific and often used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between circumventive and sneaky?
While circumventive is typically associated with a more formal tone, sneaky is more informal and colloquial in nature.