Synonyms for

Tricky

Verb / ˈtrɪki: / Another word for tricky — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having or causing difficulty, problems, or confusion

Synonyms & similar words

sly wily foxy catchy crafty slick slippery tricksy knavish guileful dodgy cunning difficult complicated challenging complex problematic knotty perplexing puzzling confusing deceptive sneaky crafty wily foxy cunning artful shifty slippery treacherous unpredictable

Synonyms by register

Formal

complex difficult problematic challenging

Informal

tough hard sticky knotty

Literary

perilous hazardous guileful

Antonyms

easy simple straightforward obvious clear uncomplicated

Common collocations

  • tricky situation
  • tricky question
  • tricky problem
  • tricky business
  • tricky move
  • tricky decision
  • tricky to handle

Word family

noun trick
adverb trickily

Usage note

Often implies a need for skill or caution due to complexity or potential for error. Can sometimes suggest deceit or cunning, depending on context.

Example sentences

  1. The game was tricky, but I won!
  2. The magician did a tricky card trick.
  3. The maze was very tricky and I got lost.
  4. The math problem was too tricky for me.
  5. The slippery floor was tricky to walk on.

Quotes

  • Life is very tricky and we must deal with it as it comes. - Suraj Sharma
  • The mind is a tricky thing. - Candace Bushnell
  • The world is a tricky place, my dear. And it's hard to find someone who really understands. - Julia Quinn

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words