Sneakiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to someone behaving in a secretive and stealthy way, often to avoid being caught or noticed. It usually implies minor trickery or silent movement.

• His sneakiness allowed him to slip into the room unnoticed
• The cat's sneakiness is evident when it prowls around at night

Use this word when emphasizing a person's habit or tendency to lie and mislead others. It has a strong negative connotation.

• His deceitfulness ruined many friendships
• The company's deceitfulness was exposed by the scandal

This term is best suited for describing intelligent and clever behavior, often used to achieve one's own goals through deception. It can have both positive and negative connotations.

• Her cunning plan ensured she got the promotion
• The fox is known for its cunning nature

Slyness is used to describe behavior that is cunning and deceitful in a way that is also clever and shrewd. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, often hinting at a playful or mischievous nature.

• His slyness made him a successful negotiator
• The child's slyness was apparent when he found a way to get extra cookies

This term is used to describe the quality of being untruthful or deceitful in general. It carries a negative connotation and is often used in moral or ethical discussions.

• Her dishonesty about the project details caused major delays
• Dishonesty in politics can undermine trust in government

Used to describe someone who acts in a secretive or stealthy manner, often to avoid being caught. This term is generally negative, implying underhanded actions.

• He got into the room with such sneakiness that no one noticed.

Used to describe the act of making someone believe something that is not true. It can be both intentional and unintentional, but it generally carries a negative connotation.

• Her deception caused a great deal of confusion.
• The magician's tricks are based on deception.

Describes behavior marked by deceitfulness in acting or speaking in two different ways to different people. This term is very negative, indicating a malicious intent.

• His duplicitousness made it impossible to trust him.
• She was known for her duplicitousness in business dealings.

Refers to the act or practice of misleading someone by hiding the truth. Often involves lies or false promises. This term is highly negative, suggesting moral wrongdoing.

• His deceit led to the downfall of the company.
• She was hurt by his deceit and lies.

Used to describe a person or entity that is not reliable and cannot be trusted. This term is negative and indicates a lack of honesty and integrity.

• His untrustworthiness became apparent when he failed to keep his promises.
• The company's untrustworthiness led to its loss of customers.