shifty

adjective

ˈshif-tē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
shiftier; shiftiest
Synonyms of shiftynext
1
: full of or ready with expedients : resourceful
2
a
: given to deception, evasion, or fraud : tricky
b
: capable of evasive movement : elusive
a shifty boxer
3
: indicative of a tricky nature
shifty eyes
shiftily
ˈshif-tə-lē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
adverb
shiftiness
ˈshif-tē-nəs How to pronounce shifty (audio)
noun

Synonyms of shifty

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Examples of shifty in a Sentence

shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts shifty practices such as turning back the odometers on used cars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The singer kept her cool through technical difficulties and captivated a drenched, shifty crowd, drawing them in with a warm smile and a euphonious delivery. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Aug. 2026 No actress this century has been able to match Hathaway's slinky, shifty take on small-time thief Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 Instead, the Hall of Fame running back who inspired a generation of running backs with his sensational, elusive, shifty style was walking up and down the sideline handing out refreshments to his teammates. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 My own traumatic experiences taught me how shifty memory can be—how incomplete and vulnerable to self-doubt. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shifty

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shifty was circa 1570

Rhymes for shifty

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Browse Nearby Words

shift/tip/tilt the balance of power
shifty
shigella
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shifty. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shifty

adjective
ˈshif-tē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
shiftier; shiftiest
1
: not worthy of trust : tricky
2
: indicating a tricky character
shifty eyes
shiftily
-tə-lē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
adverb
shiftiness
-tē-nəs How to pronounce shifty (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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