The Open Dictionary

slyness

noun

UK/ˈslaɪ.nəs/
US/ˈslaɪ.nəs/

Definitions of slyness noun

  1. Uncountable

    Behavior that is clever in a deceptive way to achieve one's goals.

    • The prosecution used popular stereotypes about women's slyness to make their appeal.

    • He employed all his slyness to provoke his colleagues.

    • She used slyness to manipulate the situation for her own benefit.

  2. Uncountable

    Behavior that suggests a knowledge of secrets.

    • They greeted her with a sly smile as she walked into the room.

    • He told a joke and looked around with slyness in his eyes.

    • She spoke of the matter with a touch of slyness, implying she knew more than she revealed.