wily

[ˈwaɪli]

wily Definition

• 1. skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully
• 2. full of clever tricks; cunning

Using wily: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wily" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The wily old fox managed to escape the hunters.

• Example

  She used her wily charm to get what she wanted.

• Example

  The politician was known for his wily tactics.

• Example

  The detective admired the criminal's wily scheme.

wily Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wily

• crafty
• sly
• devious
• tricky
• shrewd

Antonyms for wily

• naive
• honest

Phrases with wily

• wily as a fox

  very cunning and sly

  Example

  He managed to outsmart his opponents with his wily as a fox tactics.

• wily smile

  a smile that suggests a hidden agenda or ulterior motive

  Example

  She gave him a wily smile before asking for a favor.

• wily ways

  clever and deceitful methods of achieving one's goals

  Example

  He was known for his wily ways in business dealings.

Origins of wily

from Old English 'wil', meaning 'cunning'

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Summary: wily in Brief

'Wily' [ˈwaɪli] is an adjective that describes someone who is skilled at gaining an advantage, often through deceitful or clever means. It can be used to describe people, animals, or schemes, such as 'The politician was known for his wily tactics.' 'Wily' is often paired with phrases like 'wily as a fox' or 'wily smile,' which suggest cunning and hidden motives.