What Is Another Way to Say “Sleight of Hand”?

Looking for synonyms for sleight of hand? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say sleight of hand.

  • Prestidigitation
  • Legerdemain
  • Magic
  • Trickery
  • Illusion
  • Deception
  • Conjuring
  • Dexterity
  • Manipulation
  • Artifice
  • Wizardry
  • Misdirection
  • Hocus-pocus
  • Chicanery
  • Finesse

Want to learn how to say sleight of hand professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Prestidigitation

Refers specifically to manual dexterity or trickery used in performing magic tricks.

  • Example: “The magician’s prestidigitation left the audience in awe, as cards appeared and disappeared from thin air.”

2. Legerdemain

Similar to prestidigitation, emphasizing skillful use of the hands in magic tricks or deception.

  • Example: “His legerdemain was so refined that even the keenest observers couldn’t spot the sleight.”

3. Magic

A general term for acts that appear supernatural or beyond human capabilities.

  • Example: “The show’s highlight was a piece of magic that seemed to defy the laws of physics.”

4. Trickery

Use of cunning or deceit to achieve one’s purpose.

  • Example: “The escape artist used trickery to mislead the audience about his true methods.”

5. Illusion

Creating a false impression or misleading visual image.

  • Example: “The illusion of the floating woman was a classic act in the magician’s repertoire.”

6. Deception

The act of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.

  • Example: “The magician’s talent for deception was key to pulling off the most complex tricks.”

7. Conjuring

Performing tricks that make something appear from nowhere or disappear.

  • Example: “Conjuring is an art that requires both skill and an understanding of the audience’s perception.”

8. Dexterity

Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

  • Example: “The juggler’s dexterity was evident as he kept multiple objects in the air effortlessly.”

9. Manipulation

Skillful handling, controlling, or using of something or someone.

  • Example: “Card manipulation requires a high level of skill and years of practice to master.”

10. Artifice

Clever or cunning devices used to trick or deceive others.

  • Example: “The story unfolded with a plot full of artifice, keeping readers guessing until the end.”

11. Wizardry

Exceptional skill or expertise in a particular field, often seeming magical.

  • Example: “The software developer’s wizardry allowed him to solve problems that stumped others.”

12. Misdirection

A strategy of diverting attention away from a secret move or the method behind a trick.

  • Example: “Misdirection is a crucial element in magic, guiding the audience’s attention away from the sleight of hand.”

13. Hocus-pocus

Nonsensical or misleading talk used to conceal one’s true intentions or actions.

  • Example: “The magician’s hocus-pocus added a layer of entertainment while he executed his tricks.”

14. Chicanery

The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.

  • Example: “The novel featured a plot thick with chicanery, as the protagonist navigated through political intrigue.”

15. Finesse

Refined delicacy and skill in performance or execution.

  • Example: “The artist’s finesse with the brush turned simple strokes into stunning imagery.”

Linda Brown