cunningness

noun

Definition of cunningnessnext
1
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means it took a certain amount of cunningness on the photographer's part to obtain such revealing portraits of his rich and famous subjects

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in deception
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery people should remember that it was cunningness and not kindness that made him a very wealthy lawyer

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 cunningness The costume thus becomes a family heirloom, one steeped in grace and cunningness. — Andrew McGowan, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunningness
  1. cunning
  2. deception
  3. deceit
  4. deceptiveness
  5. deceitfulness
  6. fraud
  7. cheating
Noun
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • Prevention of fraud, deception and public accountability are reasons given for this suggestion.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As the investigation unfolded, what initially appeared to be a daring ransom scheme evolved into a complex story of obsession, deception, and unexpected motives.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Their topics include the limits of authenticity and how to grasp understanding in a world awash in deceit.
    — Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of deceitfulness
Noun
  • Colorado has no shortage of important legal priorities, from protecting consumers against fraud to addressing the complex issues facing families and businesses across the state.
    — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So far, only one conviction has come out of the sweeping fraud investigation of Loretto’s former executives.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • Nearly all are requiring ethics courses along the way — as educators continue to grapple with cheating and with fears that heavy AI use will erode critical thinking.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Still another cheating method under consideration was to gain access to the Internet, where the agents could do research.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheating

Browse Nearby Words

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cunningness
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Cite this Entry

“Cunningness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunningness. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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