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
1
as in subtlety
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
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artful
Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Dec. 2025
The artful look, originally created by late hairstylist Jesus Guerrero and maintained by hairstylist Evanie Frausto, involved meticulous free-hand bleaching around the crown of the Lux artist’s head.
—Rachel Krause, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for artful
Adjective
The dishes are artful, visually stunning and playful.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Dec. 2025
The artful look, originally created by late hairstylist Jesus Guerrero and maintained by hairstylist Evanie Frausto, involved meticulous free-hand bleaching around the crown of the Lux artist’s head.
—Rachel Krause, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for artful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artful
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Some lean into local sourcing, others spotlight inventive beverage programs or embrace dietary inclusivity.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence.—
Emily Kelleher,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
That was a virtuoso performance.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
1 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The words lacked diplomatic subtlety, but the mullahs in Tehran got the message.—
The Wall Street Journal,
Twin Cities,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Narrated by the venerable David Attenborough in the BBC version and the incomparable Sigourney Weaver in the Discovery Channel edition, Planet Earth treats audiences with its high-tech, cutting-edge visuals that encompass both the grandeur and subtleties of Mother Earth.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Investopedia defines it as a job done outside the office, typically requiring manual labor or skills in a particular trade.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Activity Table Foster your little one’s motor skills with this activity table that allows babies ages 6 months and up to flip, slide, roll, spin, and press the buttons, wheels, and lights.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Fall travel season is here, and my suitcase is officially in its comfy-but-cute era.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Shoppers call out the cute and functional design.—
Kim Grundy,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
-
With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The 5-11, 187-pound receiver is skillful at running routes and can create separation with his quick feet.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Mackey does especially skillful work conveying the legibility of Ella’s personal anxiety and political passion.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artful. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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