slippery

adjective

ˈsli-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce slippery (audio)
Definition of slipperynext
1
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions a bar where a lot of slippery characters were known to hang out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elusive
hard to find, capture, or isolate a slippery concept that we had trouble understanding

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3
as in slicked
having or being a surface so smooth as to greatly reduce traction had trouble keeping upright on the slippery ice

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of slippery Snoozies Skinnies Travel Slippers Slippers or grip socks are another must-have item during my travels, particularly in rooms with cold or slippery floors. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 The race will go in the rain, except in the event of lightning or if major puddling makes the track slippery. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Here are details on packages of sliced turkey that will make the lunch crowd smile, and the wonky, slippery slices that will end up in the trash can. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Metal cornhole sets are weather-resistant and transportable but can be slippery. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slippery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slippery
  1. shady
  2. elusive
  3. slicked
  4. slick
  5. greasy
Adjective
  • For shady slopes, this evergreen, herbaceous perennial with striking yellow blooms makes excellent groundcover under trees.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The massive trees had long been a home for rare species and a shady place for neighbors to gather.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Johnson was elusive Saturday while slipping off multiple would-be tacklers — a quality the Chiefs’ backs lacked in 2025.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Recently, physicists at the US Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory have used the Muon g-2 experiment to look for one of the most elusive properties of the muon—its electric dipole moment (EDM).
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of elusive
Adjective
  • Between rough-cut fringe, mermaid wave extensions, a bouffant side part and a slicked ponytail, Madix and Bembridge fearlessly sampled every style and silhouette in the big book of hair this season.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
  • But if opting for a slicked knot that eliminates all natural texture feels a little too intense, a relaxed and romantic ballet bun can provide some welcome balance.
    — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of slicked
Adjective
  • There’s the slick, glad-handing publisher of Hamptons magazine, and the feisty Citarella market scion who would love to have her picture featured in its pages.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • When shoppers lose their traction on slick, unforgiving floors, severe bruising, fractured wrists, spinal pain, and concussions are common results.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • That means my greasy microfiber cloths do get washed with my cotton drying towels, along with oven mitts, linen napkins, and the seat pads for my counter stools (my kids somehow manage to trash them every week).
    — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In response, Diez brought up Schaeffler’s plant in South Carolina, where Digit is working right now, loading greasy machine parts into an industrial washer.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of greasy

Browse Nearby Words

slipperiness
slippery
slipping
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Cite this Entry

“Slippery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slippery. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on slippery

Nglish: Translation of slippery for Spanish Speakers

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