1
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
a shady salesman who usually relies on a combination of quick thinking and guile
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in deception
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery
a person so full of guile he can't even be trusted to give you the correct time of day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guile
His characteristics are based on short, neat passes, providing guile to unpick deep-sitting blocks and work in tight areas.
—
Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
The former Watford midfielder brings energy to the press but lacks guile, and with his contract up at the end of the season, the 32-year-old looks like a stop-gap.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Next for Fonseca is Lorenzo Sonego, a 29-year-old Italian who will have to hope that wisdom and guile win out over the exuberance of youth.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Getting out doesn’t just require thumb-shredding dexterity, wit, and guile but also — fittingly for its premise — patience.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for guile
Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
The former Watford midfielder brings energy to the press but lacks guile, and with his contract up at the end of the season, the 32-year-old looks like a stop-gap.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Next for Fonseca is Lorenzo Sonego, a 29-year-old Italian who will have to hope that wisdom and guile win out over the exuberance of youth.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Getting out doesn’t just require thumb-shredding dexterity, wit, and guile but also — fittingly for its premise — patience.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for guile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guile
Noun
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Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2024
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Trickery, obfuscation, and deception are common in local politics.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
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Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Duplicity, hits theaters today, March 20, delivering a suspenseful story of deception, justice, and betrayal.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But all 12 are saturated with deceit, consternation and heartbreak.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
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His real estate business, with finances overseen by a subservient non-CPA, committed so much deceit that the Trump Organization ended up convicted of tax crimes and its former chief financial officer went to jail—twice.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for executing eviction notices, orders of protection, and investigating financial and tax fraud.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2025
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Quantum computing could allow companies to analyze risk, detect fraud, and predict market trends better than ever before.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guile. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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