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.

So that’s a tricky aspect of it that I didn’t expect.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“Cattle are tricky collateral,” said Ty Lucas, Chief Lending Officer for NebraskaLand Bank in North Platte, Neb., the heart of cattle country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Don’t miss: ‘This is a tricky subject’: We’re in our 70s and our only child is 40.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

But crypto market booms and crashes are often accompanied by confusing terms like ETFs, blockchains and stablecoins, making it all somewhat tricky to navigate.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

This was going to be the tricky part....

From "Mystery Map (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #3)" by Franklin W. Dixon

tricky

Example Sentences

Related Words