1
as in cute
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cunning, underhanded plan to win the election by preying on people's fears and prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skilled
skillful with the hands
only the most cunning cabinetmaker could have crafted such a beautifully proportioned chest of drawers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in slyness
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
the cunning with which Tom Sawyer was able to get others to whitewash the fence for him
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the unmatched cunning of the scout who led them safely through the trackless wilderness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in deception
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery
used cunning and subterfuge to lure unwitting victims into the fraudulent scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
as in deceit
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cunning
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
Saxon, meanwhile, is a bit too dumb to be so cunning.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
There’s an unapologetic cunning at the heart of this series, and a mercurial spirit that’s as slippery as blood on an Italian marble floor.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cunning
Adjective
The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
Saxon, meanwhile, is a bit too dumb to be so cunning.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Gilded by privilege and cunning, Glinda is a popular young woman who desires to wield magic.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
There’s an unapologetic cunning at the heart of this series, and a mercurial spirit that’s as slippery as blood on an Italian marble floor.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning
Adjective
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Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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While there’s no doubt the videos feature cute little ones and are intended just for laughs, mental health professionals say what some parents view as harmless fun may actually be affecting children in unplanned ways.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
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Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
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Then the animators could take over and finish the rest with their skillful photorealism.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Without resources or expertise to vet influencers properly, these companies become vulnerable to deceptive practices.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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In 2022, the California DMV sued Tesla, saying the company engaged in deceptive marketing and advertising practices around its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In that world, the spoils won’t go to whoever mints the slickest dollar clone, but to whoever owns the outlets— the wallets, apps, and merchant relationships—through which those dollars ultimately flow.—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Electing to play Barcelona at their own possession-based, slick passing game carries a specific kind of risk.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The film follows 11-year-old Caroline (Johnson), a clever, sharp-eyed girl navigating a life of excitement and peril as a shoplifter with her mom Jocelyn (Williams).—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The story arc, anchored by George Bizet’s famous musical score, focuses the narrative on Don José, the Spanish soldier who falls for the wily Carmen and her charms.—
Lisa Vernon Sparks,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2025
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And Luis Guzmán makes a welcome appearance as Mia’s wily Uncle Raul, whose scrapyard is a front for criminal sidelines.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunning. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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