winkingly
- adverb
- /ˈwɪŋkɪŋli/
- 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
48
5.1
In a way that is not obvious or easy to notice
10
7.3
In a way people understand without anyone saying it
8
6.1
In a secret, clever way so others do not notice
3
3.7
In a playful way that makes someone laugh or feel a little annoyed
2
4.9
In a secret way so other people do not notice
1
7.9
In a playful, teasing way that shows sly amusement
1
6.7
To act in a playful and slightly naughty way that seems friendly
1
7.3
In a playful way that breaks small rules to make people laugh
1
9.6
To act in a playful and slightly naughty way
1
9.5
Acting in a playful way to attract someone's attention
In a playful joking way to make people laugh
In a secret or suspicious way
Antonyms
How Playful
Surface Forms
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.