1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
the artful lawyer got the witness to admit he had been lying
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inventive
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
that kitchen gadget is an artful tool for extracting cherry pits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
that was an artful way to handle a very delicate situation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artful
From classic kitchens to dreamy bedrooms, founder Marianne Simon’s refined interiors showcase her artful ability to mix exquisite antiques, custom furnishings, and unique accents.
—
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
His most ambitious series to date, Pluribus can be seen as a corrective of sorts—a grand, artful, mind-bendingly philosophical, darkly funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but consistently humane vindication of our fractious species.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
This group organizes the sellout Autumn Lights fundraiser, where more than 100 volunteer artists, some of them Burning Man participants, dazzle the crowds with their artful, eye-catching interpretations in a three-night colorful show.
—Pj Bremier, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
The food, too, does some artful recontextualizing.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
His most ambitious series to date, Pluribus can be seen as a corrective of sorts—a grand, artful, mind-bendingly philosophical, darkly funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but consistently humane vindication of our fractious species.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
This group organizes the sellout Autumn Lights fundraiser, where more than 100 volunteer artists, some of them Burning Man participants, dazzle the crowds with their artful, eye-catching interpretations in a three-night colorful show.
—Pj Bremier, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
The food, too, does some artful recontextualizing.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artful
Adjective
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Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire, and twisted loyalty.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
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The elaborate scheme, masterminded by members of four Mafia families in collusion with celebrity athletes, ensnared unsuspecting victims, bleeding them of over $7 million through cunning deception, prosecutors said in the indictment.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The modern diner offers inventive takes on everything from frittatas to Reubens to Waldorf salads.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Salt & Char is a steakhouse with a farm-to-table ethos that showcases the best of Upstate New York’s produce, while Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro serves up decadent and inventive American fare with an exciting cocktail program and an impressive wine list.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Fox’s costume is certainly clever — and on brand for Halloween — if not exactly tasteful.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
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The decor is relatively spare, allowing the natural materials to shine and emphasizing clever design tricks like the dining-table bench built into the back of the kitchen island.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Kayla Poirier didn’t get the glory that comes associated with scoring a goal, but without a couple skillful touches by the senior, Mahtomedi would no longer have a chance to repeat as state champions.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
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The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Brazil is set to introduce an ambitious and innovative new system for financing forest protection (more on that below) and Lula comes into COP30 with an impressive record of successful forest protection.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The night celebrated innovative global environmental solutions.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artful. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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