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
Subtle is a synonym for sly in crafty topic. In some cases you can use "Subtle" instead an adjective "Sly", when it comes to topics like cunning, property, clever, tricky. archaic substitute
Subtle
Subtle adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: used subtle methods of persuasion
Sly is a synonym for subtle in crafty topic. You can use "Sly" instead an adjective "Subtle", if it concerns topics such as character trait, cunning, clever, tricky. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Subtle and Sly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/subtle
Sly & Subtle. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/subtle>.
Subtle or Sly. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/sly/subtle.
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