1
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
with well-practiced artfulness, he convinced his mother he was sick enough to stay home from school but not sick enough for a visit to the doctor's office
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
building a ship model requires a painstaking artfulness I don't have
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of artfulness
Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality.
—
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
There is a real seriousness to the score — the scheming bad-guy music has the artfulness of Prokofiev, and even the sneaking-around cues have musical integrity and structure.
—Tim Greiving, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
All things considered, each of the couple’s selections exudes artfulness — prioritizing top-quality design and materials meant to last a lifetime.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
There is a real seriousness to the score — the scheming bad-guy music has the artfulness of Prokofiev, and even the sneaking-around cues have musical integrity and structure.
—Tim Greiving, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
All things considered, each of the couple’s selections exudes artfulness — prioritizing top-quality design and materials meant to last a lifetime.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artfulness
Noun
-
The confidence that began Carrick’s spell in charge will need to be matched with new cunning and craft.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But Muck is no Epstein, malevolent and cunning.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Vucan, now in his 10th season as Carroll’s head coach and 15th overall with the program, left his home city of El Paso to test his skills in a more competitive baseball region of the state.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Parkes symbolizes this through occasional split-screen shots of skylines slightly misaligned in color and angle; the film has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and all the forceful momentum too.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
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The earthy subtlety of the beet puree complements the mushrooms, and the crunchy leeks add texture.—
Barbara Ellis,
Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artfulness. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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