Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tricky

adjective
\ ˈtri-kē How to pronounce tricky (audio) \
trickier; trickiest

Definition of tricky

1 : inclined to or marked by trickery
2a : giving a deceptive impression of easiness, simplicity, or order : ticklish a tricky path through the swamp
b : trick sense 2
3 : requiring skill, knack, or caution (as in doing or handling) : difficult a tricky problem also : ingenious a tricky rhythm
Other Words from tricky Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about tricky

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from tricky

trickily \ ˈtri-​kə-​lē How to pronounce trickily (audio) \ adverb
trickiness \ ˈtri-​kē-​nəs How to pronounce trickiness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for tricky

sly, cunning, crafty, wily, tricky, foxy, artful, slick mean attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means. sly implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods. a sly corporate raider cunning suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing. the cunning fox avoided the trap crafty implies cleverness and subtlety of method. a crafty lefthander wily implies skill and deception in maneuvering. the wily fugitive escaped the posse tricky is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering. a tricky political operative foxy implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing. a foxy publicity man planting stories artful implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness. elicited the information by artful questioning slick emphasizes smoothness and guile. slick operators selling time-sharing

Examples of tricky in a Sentence

The lock is tricky to open. a tricky musical passage for the woodwind section

Recent Examples on the Web

 Getting 2 million people in and out of the Minnesota State Fair each year is tricky enough for organizers. — Zekriah Chaudhry, Twin Cities, "State Fair: Getting the animals in and out like a choreographed dance," 25 Aug. 2019 With global interest rates falling, trade wars raging and markets jittery, the months ahead may be tricky for banks and wealth managers everywhere. — The Economist, "Tidjane Thiam’s overhaul of Credit Suisse is paying off," 24 Aug. 2019 Still, putting bonus foods to use can be tricky for schools, which plan menus far in advance and have to consider factors like procurement contracts and warehouse capacities. — Candice Choi, BostonGlobe.com, "What’s on school menus this fall? Trade mitigation," 11 Aug. 2019 Still, putting bonus foods to use can be tricky for schools, which plan menus far in advance and have to consider factors like procurement contracts and warehouse capacities. — Washington Post, "What’s on school menus this fall? Trade mitigation," 11 Aug. 2019 But for Joyce, played by Winona Ryder, the fact that the show is set in the 80's might prove a little tricky for her. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "Will the "Stranger Things" Kids Realize That Will Byers' Mom Used to Be Famous?," 24 July 2019 Inn guests can choose from two tiled, above-ground tubs and one deck-level old-style spa — too tricky for someone with a bum knee to access. — Sara Lessley, latimes.com, "Experience hot springs and history on a weekend trip to Benton Hot Springs," 11 July 2019 Times are tricky for print publications in general — all the more so for a title targeted with exquisite precision at middle-school boys. — David Von Drehle, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Mad magazine is dying — maybe we should worry," 7 July 2019 The challenge of satisfying progressives who want transformative change in the nation’s healthcare system and moderates anxious about losing choice has proved particularly tricky for Harris. — Los Angeles Times, "Joe Biden takes fire from all sides in Democratic debate," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tricky.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of tricky

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for tricky

tricky

adjective
How to pronounce tricky (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tricky

: using or likely to use dishonest tricks
: requiring skill or caution : difficult to do or deal with

See the full definition for tricky in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tricky

adjective
\ ˈtri-kē How to pronounce tricky (audio) \
trickier; trickiest

Kids Definition of tricky

1 : requiring special care and skill Opening the lock is tricky.
2 : likely to use tricks

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

eloquent

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!