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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 artful
But this artful, narrative-deep era of Galliano for Dior?
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 May 2025
The Chinese are very artful with friendship associations, with having friendly delegations going over to talk about battery technology or wind generation of energy, etc.
—Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025
As Stewart’s artful thirst traps have frequently gone viral, fans may be looking for advice on how to mimic her sultry selfies.
—Erin Clements, People.com, 7 May 2025
Even the entertainment feels enhanced, with artful game sets like polished tic-tac-toe, a luxury edition of Clue, and a sleek Connect Four that double as decor.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 May 2025
The Chinese are very artful with friendship associations, with having friendly delegations going over to talk about battery technology or wind generation of energy, etc.
—Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025
As Stewart’s artful thirst traps have frequently gone viral, fans may be looking for advice on how to mimic her sultry selfies.
—Erin Clements, People.com, 7 May 2025
Even the entertainment feels enhanced, with artful game sets like polished tic-tac-toe, a luxury edition of Clue, and a sleek Connect Four that double as decor.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artful
Adjective
-
Premiering in January 2023, The Traitors has gone on to widespread acclaim, even winning Emmys for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program (Alan Cumming on cunning form).—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
In real life, most would-be Proud Boys don’t have cunning, progressive housemates who will throw away their gun parts.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
By day, guests can visit for its inventive afternoon tea.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Brazilian footwear brand Melissa and Parisian label Maldito are dipping their toes into the western footwear category with a new collaboration offering an inventive take on the cowboy boot.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
She has been married twice, marrying director Chris Calkins in 2009. 08 of 09 Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd Woody Harrelson's Woody Boyd joined Cheers in season 4 as a not-so-bright but very cute bartender.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Their relationship unfolds over cute dates and study sessions, the two of them picking their way through all the messy, beautiful confusion of growing up.—
Krysta Hawkins,
Vogue,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
-
The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Newton’s jewels are alive with her mastery of design, composition, skillful use of materials, and an instinct for creating irresistible objects.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
With its strapless neckline, subtle side slit, and body-hugging silhouette, it was made for sipping cocktails under palm trees in Miami or dancing the night away in Barcelona.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
-
For example, comparing transcripts side by side can reveal subtle shifts in a witness' narrative, prompting further scrutiny.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
For entrepreneurial parents and innovative educators, this may be a frontier worth exploring.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Nearly every dish at Uma Roma, an innovative new restaurant, is dedicated to a single ingredient.—
Seth Sherwood,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Despite her formidable workload as Dior’s artistic director of women’s collections, Chiuri has also taken on a personal project: restoring a historic theater in her hometown.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
14 May 2025
-
Still, the size of the crew is less significant than the fact that their work embodies a practice—even an artistic repertory of gestures—that is visually evident even without reference to the credits.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artful. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share