NYT Dictionary

WILY

/ˈwaɪ.li/
AdjectiveWI-lywi-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Sly, cunning, full of tricks.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English wily, wiley, wyly. By surface analysis, wil(e) + -y.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

astuteartfulcautelouscraftycunningdeviousdiabolicalfoxlikefoxyfrood

Antonyms

guilelessgulliblehonestingenuousnaiveunwise

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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