“Sneaky” is an adjective that describes someone or something as behaving in a sly, underhanded, or furtive manner. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of them:
1. Cunning
- “Cunning” implies a certain level of intelligence and cleverness in a devious way. A cunning person is able to plan and execute actions that are designed to achieve their goals through trickery. For example, “The cunning fox outwitted the hunters.” It emphasizes the use of mental acumen to deceive or manipulate, much like a sneaky person might do, but with a more strategic edge.
2. Sly
- “Sly” has a similar meaning to sneaky. It suggests a person who is artful and able to act in a way that is not immediately obvious. For example, “The sly salesman managed to convince the customers to buy something they didn't really need.” Sly people often have a way of getting what they want through indirect or underhanded means, just like a sneaky individual.
3. Furtive
- “Furtive” emphasizes the secrecy and stealth of an action. A furtive glance, for example, is a quick, secret look. When applied to a person's behavior, it means they are acting in a way that they don't want to be noticed, which is related to the sneaky concept. For example, “The furtive movements of the thief in the store caught the security guard's attention.”
4. Devious
- “Devious” means departing from a straight, direct course. In terms of behavior, it implies that a person is using indirect and often dishonest methods to achieve their aims. For example, “The devious politician had a reputation for underhanded deals.” Like a sneaky person, a devious individual is willing to take a circuitous and unethical route to get what they want.
5. Underhanded
- “Underhanded” refers to actions that are done in a dishonest or sneaky way, especially in a way that is hidden from others. For example, “The underhanded tactics of the competitor were soon discovered.” This synonym directly captures the essence of the sneaky behavior, highlighting the unethical and hidden nature of the actions.