easy
The puzzle was tricky but fun.
What does Tricky mean?
difficult in a clever or confusing way.
Dictionary definition
Tricky describes something that is difficult because it is confusing, clever, or not easy to understand at first.
Example sentences
Tricky in a sentence
medium
This spelling rule is tricky because it has many exceptions.
hard
The tricky question required students to read every word carefully before choosing an answer.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice tricky in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Tricky
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does tricky mean?
Tricky means difficult in a clever or confusing way.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to tricky?
Challenging is close in meaning because use for something that needs effort and careful thinking.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: This spelling rule is ____ because it has many exceptions.
Tricky best completes the sentence.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Tricky
Voice settings
Sounds like
trik · ee · strongest beat: trik
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordTricky.
Partadjective.
MeaningTricky means difficult in a clever or confusing way.
ExampleExample: The puzzle was tricky but fun.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- trik · ee
- Strongest beat
- trik
- Ending
- ee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on trik.
Your turn
Say Tricky
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Nice work—you practiced tricky.
Synonyms
Words like Tricky
difficultUse when something is hard to do or understand.
challengingUse for something that needs effort and careful thinking.
confusingUse when something is hard to understand clearly.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice tricky synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The tricky riddle made everyone think," then compare close word choices. Practice tricky synonyms.
Word family
Tricky word family
Base word
tricky
adjective
tricky
Difficult in a clever or confusing way.
adjective
trickier
More tricky.
adjective
trickiest
Most tricky.
noun
trick
A clever action or puzzle.
Related words
Explore related words
Learning activities
Practice Tricky and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice TRICKY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice TRICKY
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with TRICKY
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
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Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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