Definition

Adjective: 1. Acting or done in a secretive, stealthy, or underhanded way to avoid notice: Characterized by quiet, cautious, and secretive behavior, taking care not to be observed. 2. Marked by deception or dishonesty: Involving trickery, deceit, or dishonest methods to achieve an objective.

Usage

The adjective "sneaky" describes a person, action, or behavior that is secretive, dishonest, or intended to avoid detection. It often carries a negative connotation of being untrustworthy or sly.

Examples

• Describing a person or their nature:
  • He's a sneaky person who never tells you what he's really planning.
  • I don't trust him; he has a sneaky look in his eyes.
• Describing an action or behavior:
  • That was a sneaky trick to get the last cookie.
  • She took a sneaky glance at her notes during the test.

Advanced Usage

• "Sneaky suspicion": A private, intuitive feeling or hunch about something, often formed without clear evidence.
  • I have a sneaky suspicion that he already knows about the surprise party.
• "Sneaky peek": A quick, secretive look at something.
  • Can I have a sneaky peek at your birthday present?

Variants and Related Words

• Sneak (verb/noun): To move or act in a stealthy, secretive way; a person who acts in such a way.
  • He tried to sneak into the movie theater without a ticket.
• Sneakily (adverb): In a sneaky manner.
  • She sneakily replaced the empty milk carton in the fridge.

Synonyms

• Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
• Stealthy: Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
• Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.
• Deceitful: Guilty of or involving deceit; intended to deceive.

Antonyms

• Open: Done or acting without concealment.
• Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
• Forthright: Direct and outspoken; straightforward.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• On the sneak: Acting in a secretive or furtive manner. (Informal/archaic)
  • He's been coming home on the sneak to avoid his landlord.
• Sneak attack: A sudden, unexpected assault made without warning.
  • The video game boss is vulnerable except during its sneak attacks.

Adjective

1. marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
   • a furtive manner
   • a sneak attack
   • stealthy footsteps
   • a surreptitious glance at his watch
2. marked by deception
   • achieved success in business only by underhand methods