Definitions

guile

[gahyl] / gaɪl /

NOUN

slyness, cleverness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

trickery

STRONG

artfulness artifice chicanery craft craftiness cunning deceit deception dishonesty dissimulation duplicity jive ruse sellout treachery trickiness wiliness

WEAK

dirty dealing dirty pool dirty trick dirty work dissemblance double-cross foul play runaround sharp practice stab in the back

Antonyms

STRONG

forthrightness frankness honesty honor openness sincerity trustworthiness truth truthfulness uprightness

WEAK

artlessness naïveté

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He added: "Your lack of remorse was only matched by your guile in squeezing every last penny from one victim before moving on to the next."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Lynagh was a menace in the first half and Menoncella has grit to go with his considerable guile and grace.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Like Julien Duvivier and François Truffaut before him, Kiarostami captures their innocence and guile with righteous force.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Harmer outdid the Indian spinners in their own den with his guile and turn.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

And I knew by his eyes that no guile had he, So I married my man from the North Country.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

Vocabulary lists containing guile

The Crucible

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"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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Grade 11, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!