shifty

adjective

ˈshif-tē How to pronounce shifty (audio)
Definition of shiftynext
1
as in shady
given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception shifty practices such as turning back the odometers on used cars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shifty Instead, the Hall of Fame running back who inspired a generation of running backs with his sensational, elusive, shifty style was walking up and down the sideline handing out refreshments to his teammates. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 My own traumatic experiences taught me how shifty memory can be—how incomplete and vulnerable to self-doubt. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 That is, until the defense brought pressure and star defensive lineman Zach Sieler pushed past the rookie offensive lineman with ease and got to Malik Willis before the shifty quarterback could make a move. — Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Coach Kyle Shanahan remained very high on Pearsall and was excited about an offense that would have newcomer Mike Evans, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey setting up the shifty Pearsall to beat defensive backs one-on-one. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shifty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shifty
  1. shady
  2. deceptive
  3. sneaky
  4. fraudulent
  5. crooked
  6. dishonest
Adjective
  • The extensive wellness area is built into the rocks with a series of open-air mezzanines, treatment rooms, shady sea-viewing spots and plunge pools.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Aside from Anderson, Paz and Méndez have moments of raw emotion in their scenes together, but Affleck and Washington never generate much heat, while Yeun mostly stands around looking shady.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • In past elections, deceptive political robocalls have resulted in significant fines associated with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the federal law at the center of the petition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The film chronicled Gortner’s youth as a Pentecostal preacher in the American South and exposed the deceptive practices used to bilk believers out of their money.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • This is a sneaky mistake and one of the most common ones business partners make.
    — Leslie John, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • That said, smart shoppers know that showing up early is the best way to get sneaky deals, and gaming PCs are no exception.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of sneaky
Adjective
  • Prosecutors allege the crew printed fraudulent UPS labels to reroute boxes nationwide.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Rush’s fraudulent conduct cost the federal government approximately $194 million in total losses, according to the Justice Department.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • For now, the crooked finger stays, and so does the jumper that comes with it.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, romance scammers bilked ordinary men and women out of over a billion dollars using a variety of crooked tactics.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • Of course, there are also age-old hustles so evidently dishonest that there was a time when their exponents risked being hung or shot.
    — Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Like the president, Vance describes Democrats as dishonest, pandering, and often stupid.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of dishonest

Browse Nearby Words

shifts
shifty
shigellosis
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Cite this Entry

“Shifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shifty. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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