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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word cunning distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of cunning are artful, crafty, foxy, slick, sly, tricky, and wily. While all these words mean "attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means," cunning suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing.

the cunning fox avoided the trap

In what contexts can artful take the place of cunning?

While in some cases nearly identical to cunning, artful implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness.

elicited the information by artful questioning

Where would crafty be a reasonable alternative to cunning?

The synonyms crafty and cunning are sometimes interchangeable, but crafty implies cleverness and subtlety of method.

a crafty lefthander

When is it sensible to use foxy instead of cunning?

The words foxy and cunning can be used in similar contexts, but foxy implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing.

a foxy publicity man planting stories

When could slick be used to replace cunning?

In some situations, the words slick and cunning are roughly equivalent. However, slick emphasizes smoothness and guile.

slick operators selling time-sharing

When would sly be a good substitute for cunning?

Although the words sly and cunning have much in common, sly implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods.

a sly corporate raider

When might tricky be a better fit than cunning?

While the synonyms tricky and cunning are close in meaning, tricky is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering.

a tricky political operative

When can wily be used instead of cunning?

The meanings of wily and cunning largely overlap; however, wily implies skill and deception in maneuvering.

the wily fugitive escaped the posse

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cunning
Adjective
An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025 But while people born in the year of the snake are seen as charismatic, intelligent and artistic, they are also often considered cunning and mysterious. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
Gilded by privilege and cunning, Glinda is a popular young woman who desires to wield magic. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025 There’s an unapologetic cunning at the heart of this series, and a mercurial spirit that’s as slippery as blood on an Italian marble floor. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning
Adjective
  • Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • If the writing can get cute, there lies within it a palpable appreciation for people who dedicate themselves to a brutally challenging and relatively under-rewarded pursuit.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This three-hour experience is led by a skilled guide who will keep you safe, take photographs, and give you detailed information about the bridge and surrounding areas along the way.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On Via Montenapoleone, the store’s façade features arched windows crafted by skilled Murano glassmaker Venini.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of humor, humility, and skill made Arya stand out in a space dominated by polished perfection.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Liberal arts majors also tend to earn less than graduates in technical fields like engineering or math, largely because there’s less demand for their skills in higher-paying industries like technology and finance.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In another case, Balmer pleaded guilty in 2016 to forgery and theft by deception charges, court documents show.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Imposter syndrome is an internal struggle with feeling like a fraud despite being qualified, whereas career catfishing is an active deception.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.
    Bing Yu Yap, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But here, Gyllenhaal mesmerizes in a career-best performance that taps into the infinite well of his talent, portraying Iago’s scorching resentment, guile and humor.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
  • All of which is to say, Cooper is very good at playing someone adept at persuasion, either through intimidation or guile.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Defense attorney Alan Jackson told the jury the collision never happened, and the investigation into Read was riddled with errors, bias, incompetence and deceit from the start.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In economic markets, maintaining a consumer’s freedom of choice requires regulations against coercion and deceit.
    Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunning. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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