skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully, full of clever tricks; cunning

wily as a fox, wily smile, wily ways

Formal and Informal Expressions of wily

In different contexts, you can replace 'wily' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'cunning, deceitful' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'tricky, sneaky' is a commonplace synonym.

wily: Explore its Definition & Usage

wily Definition

1skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully
2full 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

Antonyms for wily

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.