Sly
Sly adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: the movie pairs a sly, dissembling ex-con with an upstanding, straight-arrow cop
Sharp is a synonym for sly in ability topic. In some cases you can use "Sharp" instead an adjective "Sly", when it comes to topics like character trait, dishonest, clever, shrewd.
Sharp
Sharp adjective - Given to or marked by cheating and deception.
Usage example: sharp business practices that are being investigated by the state's consumer protection agency
Sly is a synonym for sharp in dishonest topic. Sometimes you can use "Sly" instead an adjective "Sharp", if it concerns topics such as ability, cunning.
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Sharp and Sly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/sharp
Sly & Sharp. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/sharp>.
Sharp or Sly. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/sharp.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "sly" and "sharp" have occurred on timeline