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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word cunning distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of cunning are artful, crafty, foxy, slick, sly, tricky, and wily. While all these words mean "attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means," cunning suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing.

the cunning fox avoided the trap

In what contexts can artful take the place of cunning?

While in some cases nearly identical to cunning, artful implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness.

elicited the information by artful questioning

Where would crafty be a reasonable alternative to cunning?

The synonyms crafty and cunning are sometimes interchangeable, but crafty implies cleverness and subtlety of method.

a crafty lefthander

When is it sensible to use foxy instead of cunning?

The words foxy and cunning can be used in similar contexts, but foxy implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing.

a foxy publicity man planting stories

When could slick be used to replace cunning?

In some situations, the words slick and cunning are roughly equivalent. However, slick emphasizes smoothness and guile.

slick operators selling time-sharing

When would sly be a good substitute for cunning?

Although the words sly and cunning have much in common, sly implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods.

a sly corporate raider

When might tricky be a better fit than cunning?

While the synonyms tricky and cunning are close in meaning, tricky is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering.

a tricky political operative

When can wily be used instead of cunning?

The meanings of wily and cunning largely overlap; however, wily implies skill and deception in maneuvering.

the wily fugitive escaped the posse

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 cunning
Adjective
These subsidies were cunning, part of a decades-long effort to keep alive the myths that offshore wind energy is nearly self-sufficient and generates increasingly inexpensive electricity. Craig Rucker, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 However, her inner voice reveals a sardonic sense of humor, cunning intellect, and keen eye for details most people would miss… because Emily has a big secret. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Luke Shaw’s technique and cunning at centre-back deserved to be better rewarded. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 Others praised the pup's cunning. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning
Adjective
  • Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After inadvertently amassing a network of specialized experts, the startup has pivoted to hiring highly skilled professionals to train AI models.
    Jaures Yip, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Greenlight Alberta, which its creators say is the first of its kind in Canada, will see local professionals trained in key production roles, as an answer to the growing demand for skilled crew across the country.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Coming into Week 8, Skattebo ranked inside the top five in football in rushing touchdowns with five on the season, the highest of any of the Giants skill position players.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The same is true of his offensive line, as well as the surrounding skill and coaching.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Neither Eliot nor Jules suspected anything, and the ease of the deception added to its pleasing sordidness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • On October 14, those flights revealed missile sites under construction, confirming that Soviet promises had been deliberate deception.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, what’s left is an undeniably skillful and often thrilling performance, wrapped in a clever script.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to win puck battles in dirty areas and make skillful plays in tight spaces is still there.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Creativity was sorely lacking last season, with the side mustering the lowest xG of any side to avoid relegation, but now an attacking midfield trident of Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye brims with promise and guile.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In between is a huge chessboard for honing skills of strategy and guile while catching a tan.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunning. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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