What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slyest
Example
He had a sly smile on his face as he lied to his boss. [sly: adjective]
Example
She made a sly move to steal the last piece of cake. [sly: adjective]
wiliest
Example
The wiliest salesman always manages to close the deal. [wiliest: superlative form of wily]
Example
She used her wiliness to outsmart her competitors and win the contract. [wiliness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sly is more commonly used than wily in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Wily is less common and more formal, and it is typically used in more specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between slyest and wiliest?
Wily is more formal than sly, and it is typically used in more professional or academic settings. Sly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.