Definition

The most clever and tricky, often in a way that is deceitful or cunning.

Example

He was the wiliest of all the competitors, always finding a way to outsmart his opponents.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how the wiliest characters always seem to win?

Totally! They know how to play the game better than anyone else.

It's like they can predict what everyone will do next.

Exactly! That's what makes them so interesting to watch.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wiliest → It is formed from "wile" (from Old English *wīl*, meaning cunning or trickery) and the superlative suffix "-est" (indicating the highest degree). The word "wiliest" means the most cunning or deceitful, often used to describe someone who is very clever in a tricky way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wile' as representing cunning or trickery, and remember that 'wiliest' means the most cunning or clever in a tricky manner.

Visually Confused Words