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Definition of tricky

tricky

/ˈtrɪk.i/
trick · y
Adverb:trickily
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tricky Lexical Profile

tricky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Requiring care, skill, or tact because of difficulty, complexity, or awkwardness.

Example

"Navigating the narrow mountain pass in the fog proved to be a tricky maneuver."

2

Inclined to use craftiness, deception, or clever schemes to outwit others.

Example

"In folklore, the fox is often portrayed as a tricky character who outsmarts larger animals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tricky

• Nearby Words

trickle
trickledown
trickster
tricky
tricolor
tricolor hognose
tricolored

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 18th century from the noun 'trick' (from Old Northern French 'trique', meaning deceit or treachery) combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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