Slick: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes something that is very smooth and slippery or something that is done in a very efficient and effective way, sometimes with a negative connotation implying superficiality.

• The new car's paint job was slick and shiny
• He gave a very slick presentation that impressed the investors

Describes a texture or surface without roughness, lumps, or holes. It can also refer to actions done with ease and skill or someone's manner as being suave and charming.

• The countertop was smooth and cool to the touch
• His smooth talking managed to get him out of a difficult situation

Typically used to describe surfaces that reflect light and have a shiny, polished appearance. Often used for magazines, photos, and certain paints.

• She admired the glossy cover of the fashion magazine
• The advertisement featured glossy photos of the latest products

Refers to something that has been made smooth and shiny through rubbing or something that appears refined and elegant. Can describe objects, performance, skills, or manners.

• He wore very polished shoes to the interview
• Her speech was very polished and left a good impression

Used to describe someone or something that is smooth, efficient, and often superficially impressive. It can also imply a lack of depth or sincerity.

• His presentation was slick, but it lacked substance.
• She has a slick way of handling customers.

Refers to someone who is clever in a tricky or deceitful way. It often implies using intelligence to achieve personal gain, possibly at the expense of others.

• The fox is often seen as a crafty animal in fairy tales.
• He came up with a crafty plan to get out of doing his chores.

Describes a person who regularly lies or cheats. This word has a strong negative connotation and suggests a lack of honesty and integrity.

• She was deceitful about her past experiences on her resume.
• His deceitful behavior eventually led to mistrust among his friends.

Used to describe someone who is cunning and deceitful, but often in a way that is subtle and not immediately obvious. It can sometimes be used in a slightly playful manner, but generally has negative implications.

• She gave me a sly wink across the room.
• He's as sly as a fox when it comes to negotiating deals.

Often used to describe something that is smooth and shiny, or a person who is smooth-talking and perhaps deceitful. Can have a negative connotation when referring to a person.

• The car dealer had a slick sales pitch that made me suspicious.
• The road was slick with ice after the storm.

Describes a surface that is difficult to stand or hold onto because it's oily, wet, or smooth, often implying danger or difficulty.

• Be careful, the floor is slippery after mopping.
• The rocks by the river were very slippery.

Refers to a surface without roughness, bumps, or interruptions, and can also describe a person’s actions or personality as being suave or effortless.

• The baby's skin was smooth and soft.
• He is a smooth talker, always knowing just what to say.

Typically used to describe surfaces that are shiny and polished, often used in reference to photos, magazines, and other printed materials.

• The magazine had glossy pages filled with beautiful photography.
• She prefers glossy finishes on her furniture.