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Definitions

sleight of hand

NOUN
deceptive skill
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chicanery deception trickery
WEAK
conjuration deceit double-dealing escamotage hocus-pocus legerdemain magic prestidigitation smoke and mirrors
Antonyms
STRONGEST
honesty truthfulness

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.

But Beethoven also questions every sentiment in the Mass. Grandeur can so suddenly turn solemn that it feels almost a ceremonial sleight of hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

This sleight of hand directly undermines the intended safeguards in federal law.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

But, as Kagan exposed, this was a rhetorical sleight of hand.

From Slate • May 15, 2025

Alex Mitchell provided the speed at the breakdown to manoeuvre the Clermont defence, while Smith's control and sleight of hand behind him enticed his outside runners to carry hard and breach the gain-line.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2025

I can learn to hustle, learn some sleight of hand of my own.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz