CUNNINGLY Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

cunningly

adverb

Definition of cunningly

as in craftily

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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 cunningly Penelope remains faithful and rules Ithaca in his absence, cunningly stalling her suitors. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 July 2026 But cunningly, in the years since 1945—and responsibly and rightly, too—the United States put together a system where most of the other strong countries were also friends. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026 Instead of kings and queens cunningly maneuvering their armies against their enemies, there’s only an ox of a man and a bald little boy, neither of whom exhibits a clearly superior intellect. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026 Court filings from the former players allege how Lorch methodically groomed and abused children from some of the nation’s poorest communities, cunningly and cruelly preying on their desperation and love of the city game, on an almost industrial scale. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The complex portrayal wasn’t that far from Göring, who was the guy behind the guy atop the Nazi hierarchy who on the surface was a charming narcissist reputed to be a great dinner party guest, but was at heart a cunningly manipulative villain. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunningly

Adverb

As the only standalone English track of the album, its lyrics speak of a situationship so suspended in uncertainty that Selines craftily matched it with the sonic sensation of floating into outer space.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Some players struggled against the size of bigger and stronger players, while others craftily created space with deft footwork and manipulation.

— Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

Definition of craftily

Adverb

There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
In photos obtained by Fox News, Nader could be seen slyly avoiding a wardrobe malfunction, as the playsuit almost slipped out of place.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 28 July 2026

Definition of slyly

Adverb

Often nearly invisible to the naked eye, microplastics have insidiously found their way into people’s lungs, arterial plaques and brains through food, air and water, researchers have found.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
His dramas set domestic conflicts against the backdrop of societal systems that insidiously warp the playing field for their characters.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Definition of insidiously

Adverb

As the gunfire was heard, the drone appeared to veer sharply before diving toward the beach.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Polling shows that many younger voters, especially independents, progressive Democrats and some Republicans, have turned sharply against Israel in recent years amid widespread debate over Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharply

Adverb

Kikuko, her appetite sluggish, nibbled the bread bit by bit from the edges, all the while furtively watching her father.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
It’s meant to blends furtively into a bookshelf or sits elegantly atop a bedside table, never inside it.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of furtively

Adverb

Cultural birth canal from which Tony Hinchcliffe slickly emerged as a household name.

— Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026
Reaching the island is all part of the fun too, requiring you to hop aboard a vintage, slickly varnished wooden boat at Balmaha and schedule a pick-up time for the way back.

— Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of slickly

Adverb

Floral centerpieces, artfully designed by MJ Wittman of Fleuressence, are underwritten by Stephanie Wilbur.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Each Fernie's Frozen Espresso-tini Bar is artfully drizzled with ribbons of chocolate shell coating, hardening into a delicate, crackable bite, making for the ultimate pick-me-up on a stick!

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of artfully

Adverb

That virtue is undermined here by leads with minimal chemistry, one of them inexpressive and the other archly theatrical, by design if not to rewarding effect.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2026
The show, which followed a crooked New Mexican lawyer, played by Bob Odenkirk, was an archly funny drama, shot partly in gritty black-and-white.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Definition of archly

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“Cunningly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunningly. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cunningly

adverb

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