Slippery

/ˈslɪpəɹi/ · adjective

Meaning

Of a surface, having low friction, often due to being covered in a non-viscous liquid, and therefore hard to grip, hard to stand on without falling, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. Of a surface, having low friction, often due to being covered in a non-viscous liquid, and therefore hard to grip, hard to stand on without falling, etc.
2. (figuratively, by extension) Evasive; difficult to pin down.
3. (obsolete) Liable to slip; not standing firm.
4. Unstable; changeable; inconstant.
5. (obsolete) Wanton; unchaste; loose in morals.

Example Sentences

Oily substances render things slippery.

The screeching of brakes, the monotonous blare of motor horns, the clip-clip of shoes on slippery pavements, the rustling of wet mackintoshes were all part of the great metropolis.

a slippery person

a slippery promise

Which when they fall, as being slippery standers, / The love that leaned on them, as slippery too, / Do one pluck down another, and together / Die in the fall.

He looking down With scorn or pity on the slippery state Of kings, will tread upon the neck of fate.

My wife is slippery? If thou wilt confess –

Synonyms for slippery

Antonyms for slippery

Related Words

Word Forms

• slipperier
• more slippery
• slipperiest
• most slippery

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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