CUNNING Synonyms: 317 Similar and Opposite Words

cunning 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkə-niŋ

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

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

cunning

2 of 2

noun

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples 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

In the comics, Sofia is secretly acting as the remorseless serial killer known as the Hangman, and is portrayed as a cunning criminal who murders her own brother, Alberto, and attempts to take over the Falcones and cement their rule over Gotham. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 His lies invade and destroy, trampling the truths that stand in their way with casual, cunning brutality. —

Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

Roundup Words for Birds From the meaning of birdsong to the history of birdwatching, from the effects of climate change to the cunning of crows—our bird stories have it all. —

JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024 And far from being an impressive display of Soviet cunning and power, the operation was plagued by a profound lack of understanding of on-the-ground conditions in Cuba. —

Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for cunning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning

Adjective

There are also a number of great stocking stuffers available right now, like cute Ankle Socks (just $8) or a travel-ready Leather Card Case With Magnet (only $13).

Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024
Lisa Says Gah, the Bow Pant, $148 For the friend with flair, these mesh lacrosse pants are the perfect balance of comfortable and cute.

Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024