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Definitions

tricky

[trik-ee] / ˈtrɪk i /
ADJECTIVE
complicated, difficult
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complex critical delicate intricate knotty precarious problematic risky rocky sensitive sticky thorny ticklish touchy unstable
WEAK
catchy involved perplexing quirky touch-and-go undependable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy simple smooth sailing solvable sure untroublesome
WEAK
uncomplicated
ADJECTIVE
deceptive, sly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
shifty slippery smooth subtle treacherous
WEAK
artful astute cagey catchy clever crafty cunning deceitful deep delusive delusory devious dishonest foxy greasy guileful insidious intelligent keen misleading scheming shady sharp shrewd slick streetwise wily witted wry
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forthright honest
WEAK
aboveboard frank

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.

And yet, that tricky middle is where I need my bots, and my people.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

A hantavirus infection is tricky to monitor and treat.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Since schedules are already tricky to maneuver, the club does not accept new members.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The 30-year-old thinks the changes should "fix the majority of the issues", adding the first three races felt "tricky".

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

He has heard Laura in the living room speaking with two men, one of them with a ripply, tricky voice, the other with a coarser voice, a thicker laugh, a big man, no doubt.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez