Wily: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing someone who is clever at achieving their goals by using indirect and often slightly dishonest methods, often in a resourceful or adaptable way.

• The wily businessman managed to outsmart his competitors
• The fox is often portrayed as a wily animal in fables

Suitable for describing someone who is very skilled at achieving their aims through clever and possibly deceptive methods. This word often carries a more light-hearted or mischievous connotation.

• Grandma was crafty enough to hide the sweets in a place where no one could find them
• The crafty child pretended to be asleep to avoid chores

This is used for someone who is clever at planning and making things happen through deceit or trickery. It has a more negative connotation involving manipulation.

• The villain's cunning plan almost succeeded
• The cunning thief escaped unnoticed

Describes someone who is secretive and clever, often with an implication of trickery but can also have a playful or mischievous undertone, depending on the context.

• He gave a sly smile, knowing he had a trick up his sleeve
• The sly fox waited until nightfall to sneak into the henhouse

Best suited to describe actions or strategies that are dishonest and intended to deceive someone. Has a strong negative connotation.

• She used devious methods to get the promotion
• The politician was known for his devious schemes

Use for someone who is constantly planning something, often with dishonest or deceitful intentions. Has a clear negative connotation.

• The scheming employee tried to sabotage his colleague's project
• Her scheming nature made it hard for others to trust her

Use 'wily' to describe someone who is clever and skilled at gaining an advantage, often found in competitive or tricky situations. It suggests a sense of ingenuity but can also imply deceit.

• The wily fox managed to escape the hunter.
• He was a wily negotiator who always got the best deals.

Used to describe someone who has sharp judgment and is astute. It often has a positive connotation, especially in business or strategic contexts.

• She is a shrewd investor who rarely makes mistakes.
• His shrewd analysis of the situation saved the company a lot of money.

Refers to someone who is skilled in achieving their aims through deceitful or manipulative methods. This word has a significantly negative connotation.

• The cunning thief left no trace behind.
• He devised a cunning plan to outsmart his competitors.

Often used to describe someone who is secretive and cunning, usually in a playful or mildly deceptive manner. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

• She gave him a sly smile, hinting that she knew more than she let on.
• The sly cat snuck into the kitchen to steal food.

Often used to describe someone who is good at achieving their goals by using clever or slightly dishonest means. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

• The crafty salesman convinced her to buy a product she didn't need.
• Her crafty schemes often got her into trouble.

Describes someone who uses underhanded tactics and is not straightforward. It is strongly negative, highlighting dishonesty and trickery.

• The devious politician was known for his backdoor deals.
• She took a devious route to avoid being seen.