1
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
it's a bit tricksy to have a candid conversation with the company president without appearing to be either presumptuous or obsequious
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a tricksy provocateur who will make the most outrageous statements just to get a reaction
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tricksy
Such films sometimes feel like tricksy technical experiments.
—
The Economist, 18 June 2020
The Economist, 18 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tricksy
Adjective
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But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
Shaving requires removing the end cap of a bat, which can be difficult to do, and shaving down or thinning out the inner wall of the barrel.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Two decades on, Stitch ranks among Disney’s most ubiquitous characters — especially from a merchandising perspective, as that mischievous mug of his can be seen on backpacks, plush toys, T-shirts and, well, mugs of all sizes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
20 May 2025
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Sure there might be a mischievous mouse-deer stealing fruit from an orangutan, but once the mystery is solved, the two animals comprise on how to share—no harm or conflict intended.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Johnson has been on a winning streak this year with Trump in the White House and backing him repeatedly to muscle through a series of very tough votes on the slimmest of majorities.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
22 May 2025
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Coastal trips After previously demonstrating that Viking vessels can handle open oceanic waters even in tough conditions, Jarrett was determined to explore their capabilities close to land and among the fjords.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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This one says that offshore holding companies are wicked and should be penalized.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Carson Palmquist’s big-league career began with a wicked twist.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.—
Madison Yauger,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Other lawsuits have focused on one area DOGE has seen great success in: amassing sensitive government data and combining it into massive databases.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Rhinestone pasties peeked out just beneath the neckline, a playful, unexpected twist that only SZA could elevate.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
-
This red bubble bandeau dress is playful, fun and effortlessly coquettish.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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The result is a mosaic of broods that makes the jigsaw puzzle of periodical cicada distribution more complicated, but more interesting.—
Chris Simon,
The Conversation,
22 May 2025
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My work centers Native characters who are fully human: messy, funny, complicated.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Baltimore City Hall leaders acknowledged on Wednesday that squatting and social media networks potentially profiting from such activities are problematic.—
Gary Collins,
Baltimore Sun,
23 May 2025
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Some nutrients in sunflower seeds may be problematic if overconsumed.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tricksy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tricksy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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