cunning 1 of 2

1
2

cunning

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3

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
Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 In a cunning move, Ruby faces the camera and then nudges it aside, leaving the table out of the frame. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
Known for his slow, methodical in-ring style and chilling promos, Roberts played a brilliant heel, often manipulating opponents with his cunning. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 The movie’s costume designer Tom Broecker says the change highlights the lethal cunning that lurks below the character’s beauty. Alexandra Willingham, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cunning 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning
Adjective
  • Guests have free access to the hotel’s cute alpine style spa with sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The pair were photographed ice skating during a cute nighttime outing.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Such trends have already been observed in studies of highly skilled immigrant labor – which can add an additional 6% in entrepreneurial activity to a city within three years.
    London School of Economics, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Feliz plays Samantha Reed who has been trained by her father to be a weapons expert, skilled martial artist and true chameleon all while hiding a mysterious past.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Should be a conceptual thinker with strategic and problem-solving skills.
    Terina Allen, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.
    James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Watch on Deadline In the wake of his father’s disappearance at sea, Kojo, a young Ghanaian is drawn into a world of street gang and deception.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Directed by Su Biao, the comedy about a woman entangled in financial deception has remained a steady performer since its release on Dec. 31.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These subtle forms of communication—often overshadowed by verbal expression—strengthen emotional connections, offer comfort and convey understanding in ways words cannot.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
  • For those who don’t mesh with the plum tones of Black Honey can shop Clinique Pink Honey instead, which offers the same sheer wash of color in an even more subtle pink tone.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Vancouver nonetheless controlled the second stanza of the contest — first levelling the score, and then taking the lead with a persistent, skillful shift on which Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson were able to combine for the key go-ahead goal.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • His length and explosiveness pair well with a skillful touch and a sharp eye for where teammates are located on the perimeter.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Next for Fonseca is Lorenzo Sonego, a 29-year-old Italian who will have to hope that wisdom and guile win out over the exuberance of youth.
    Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Getting out doesn’t just require thumb-shredding dexterity, wit, and guile but also — fittingly for its premise — patience.
    Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Everything about Sebastien had been a deceit, a masquerade.
    Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Without this ability, the digital landscape will remain increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and deceit.
    Steven Smith, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near cunning

Cite this Entry

“Cunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunning. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cunning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!