pawky

adjective

Definition of pawkynext
chiefly British
as in cunning

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pawky
  1. cunning
  2. sly
  3. wily
  4. subtle
  5. shrewd
  6. guileful
  7. astute
  8. artful
Adjective
  • Sidibe gabbed gorgeously with Kimmel about American Horror Story, Halloween costumes, and raising mixed-gender twins (boys are less cunning and more Spider-Man oriented, apparently).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • As a young teenager, I was immediately captivated by his commanding presence and charisma portraying King Leodegrance of Cameliard — Queen Guinevere’s noble father and a cunning warrior.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • The light sculptures, which vary from sconce-like creations to hulking constructions out of a sci-fi movie, have a sly sense of humor and a human quality.
    — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But Sinestro is a sly, slippery foe and is never to be trusted!
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of sly
Adjective
  • And to unload those, Harry has a close pal and longtime co-conspirator, the wily, wisecracking pawnshop owner Ben (Steve Buscemi).
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of wily
Adjective
  • One of Yoshitomo Nara’s largest paintings is also one of his most subtle.
    — Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
  • With its choppy layers and subtle movement, the cut felt modern, refined, and perfectly in step with her evolving personal style.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • The Eagles are in disarray and will be one of the fascinating teams to watch over the next week because GM Howie Roseman is a shrewd operator.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Of all the Explora properties, this one has the finest food and shrewdest guides.
    — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta played guileful defence-splitting passes.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2026
  • One is to emphasize Iago—the guileful, insinuating convincingness of this malicious supervillain, who works on Othello to the point where any reasonable man would be deceived and fooled and worked into a rage that can lead to such a catastrophe.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Definition of guileful
Adjective
  • His astute stand-up and withering, spot-on insights into race, relationships and celebrity have influenced countless comedians and writers.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Her astute explanations, along with conversations with former immigration judges and other experts, helped turn a convoluted topic into a clear story.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • Some see Rodriguez, whose signature is clean, artful dressing, as a suitable successor for Veronica Leoni as Calvin Klein Collection’s creative director.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Each room centers on at least one meaningful possession of Corcoran’s, surrounded by custom seating, cheerful window treatments and wall coverings, warm pools of lamplight, and an artful mix of antiques.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of artful
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.

Browse Nearby Words

pawing
pawky
pawn
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Cite this Entry

“Pawky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pawky. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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