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Definition of sneaky

sneaky

/ˈsniːki/
sneak · y
Adverb:sneakily
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sneaky Lexical Profile

sneaky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Behaving in a secret, deceptive, or underhanded manner, especially to achieve an advantage or avoid detection.

Example

"He used a sneaky tactic to distract his opponent during the final round of the board game."

2

Persistent but unacknowledged or only privately felt (typically referring to a suspicion, doubt, or fondness).

Example

"I had a sneaky feeling that they were planning a surprise party for my birthday."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sneaky

• Nearby Words

sneaking
sneakingly
sneakish
sneaky
sneer
sneering
sneeringly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from the verb 'sneak' and the adjectival suffix '-y'; 'sneak' likely derives from a dialectical survival of the Old English verb 'snīcan', meaning to creep or crawl.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sneaky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sneaky
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