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.

But unlike other aging vets who stay afloat with guile and experience, Rose has blended the wisdom of years with a full-on embrace of younger methods, retooling everything from his swing to his fitness routines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Howe's side have often lacked the guile to find a way through a low block, which then feeds into their main issue on the road - a lack of goals.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

While the WSL is still a league with a divide between haves and have-nots, those that have still need guile and adaptability to beat sides lower in the division.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2025

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

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

Surely we are not presenting ourselves to them in the middle of an open marsh without any protection nor cover nor guile.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing guile

The Crucible

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!