Definition

In a way that is difficult to deal with or understand, often involving cleverness or deceit.

Example

She solved the puzzle trickily, using a clever method that others missed.

Conversation

Did you find that puzzle difficult to solve?

Yeah, it was designed pretty trickily for sure.

I thought so too; some of the clues were confusing.

Exactly! I almost gave up a couple of times.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trickily → It is formed from "trick" (from Middle English *trik*, meaning a cunning or deceitful act) and the suffix "-ily" (meaning in a manner of). The word "trickily" means in a manner that is cunning or deceitful.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'trick' as a cunning act, and remember that 'trickily' means doing something in a cunning or deceitful way.

Visually Confused Words