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winkingly

winkingly

7.5
In a playful way that shows secret understanding by closing one eye quickly
  • adverb
  • /ˈwɪŋkɪŋli/
translation icon : guiñando
  • Companies and military-industrial bodies, from CorpSeCorps and Life2Life Shuttles (a corpse collection and hearse service, respectively) to CryoJeenyus and HelthWyzer, likewise bear winkingly funny names.

Examples

  • The comedian winkingly referenced his previous mistakes, making the audience laugh.

  • She winkingly shared her secret plan with her friend, suggesting they were both in on the joke.

  • He winkingly acknowledged the surprise party, making it clear he was not to be fooled.

Synonyms

subtly
vswinkingly
48 5.1

In a way that is not obvious or easy to notice

is a small clear sign meant to be seen and understood quickly
tacitly
vswinkingly
10 7.3

In a way people understand without anyone saying it

uses a visible quick signal to create a private playful meaning
slyly
vswinkingly
8 6.1

In a secret, clever way so others do not notice

is friendlier and lighter, hinting amusement rather than hiding plans
teasingly
vswinkingly
3 3.7

In a playful way that makes someone laugh or feel a little annoyed

is less about teasing others and more about private shared fun
sneakily
vswinkingly
2 4.9

In a secret way so other people do not notice

is a visible playful sign meant to be noticed by one person
archly
vswinkingly
1 7.9

In a playful, teasing way that shows sly amusement

is a brief secret signal that implies playful shared meaning
impishly
vswinkingly
1 6.7

To act in a playful and slightly naughty way that seems friendly

is a quieter, small signal that hints shared amusement rather than mischief
roguishly
vswinkingly
1 7.3

In a playful way that breaks small rules to make people laugh

is more about a quick private signal than open cheekiness
puckishly
vswinkingly
1 9.6

To act in a playful and slightly naughty way

is subtler, using a tiny act to hint at secret play
coquettishly
vswinkingly
1 9.5

Acting in a playful way to attract someone's attention

is a brief private sign implying playful or secret agreement rather than open flirt
waggishly
vswinkingly
  • Literature
7.7

In a playful joking way to make people laugh

relies on a small, knowing sign to suggest playful intent
shadowily
vswinkingly
8.1

In a secret or suspicious way

is lighter and playful, using a simple visible sign rather than deep secrecy

Antonyms

303 1.6

To say or do things without hiding feelings

How Playful

playfully
18 1.4
winkingly
7.5
dryly
18 6.1
seriously
1.6

Surface Forms

winkingly positive

Morphology

winkingly = winking (transparent) = wink + ing + ly

Standard adverb formation by adding '-ly' to the participial/adjectival base 'winking', preserving the expected meaning.

Etymology

Winkingly comes from wink, which originally meant 'to close one eye', like a quick 'blink' used to show a joke or a secret. So to do something winkingly is to do it with that little secret sign, showing playfulness or that you and someone else understand each other.