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
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
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
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 May 2025
Since 2018, Sandeep Salter has been the creative visionary behind Salter House, an artful Brooklyn outpost that features sustainable housewares, clothing and a cafe.
—Ilana Kaplan, New York Times, 17 May 2025
This trendy city is home to a vibrant array of Japanese dining options, from sizzling yakiniku and creamy uni udon to artful omakase.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
But this artful, narrative-deep era of Galliano for Dior?
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Adjective
Beyond their fierce loyalty to competing luxury brands, Lawrence's artsy aesthetic favors breezy fabrics and eclectic accessories, while Stewart is a fan of structured suiting, daring haircuts, and an artful mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 May 2025
Since 2018, Sandeep Salter has been the creative visionary behind Salter House, an artful Brooklyn outpost that features sustainable housewares, clothing and a cafe.
—Ilana Kaplan, New York Times, 17 May 2025
This trendy city is home to a vibrant array of Japanese dining options, from sizzling yakiniku and creamy uni udon to artful omakase.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
But this artful, narrative-deep era of Galliano for Dior?
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artful
Adjective
-
Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.—
Jeannette Catsoulis,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.—
Isle McElroy,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Our public spaces will be programmed by some of the most inventive and creative teams in experiential streetscapes.—
Kissa Castaneda,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Her latest release, February’s Net Work EP, features four inventive and frequently hard-hitting productions that feature collaborators including Lunice, Machinedrum and Sam Binga.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
-
Those videos were nightmare fuel, featuring shape-shifting inhumans who simply could not mimic the subtleties of eating pasta.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Critical leadership skills can be learned through the creative and joyful act of reading children’s books.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Eight of Pentacles: This is a month to hone your skills and refine your craft, as Mercury’s journey through Aquarius should sharpen your focus until the 14th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
-
In addition to pool and beach looks, these slides look cute with baggy jeans and graphic tank tops, flowy midi dresses, and two-piece linen sets.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
These additional components underscore the importance of music, movement, libations, skillful presentation, and audience participation to masquerade more broadly.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
Who lives and who dies depends on a slew of variable factors: Where they are tried, how skillful their attorneys are, the whims of prosecutors, quirks in the law, the dispositions of judges and jurors, and what victims want.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
25 May 2025
-
The navy, white, and subtle red palette nods to the seaside and seamlessly blends into Printemps' signature French elegance.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artful. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share