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.

"That's what makes this case so unique and so tricky."

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Sharing metrics and usage data also has been tricky.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

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

Meeting in the evening was tricky because it would change Chicken’s bedtime schedule.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn