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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cunning
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.
—Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025
Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cunning
Adjective
Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.
—Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.
—Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025
Noun
Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cunning
Adjective
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Plus, a slight slit in the legs adds a cute and playful touch.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
13 June 2025
-
Related Articles Miss Manners: Another mother chided me for group-texting a cute photo.—
Eric Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
These eagles are skilled soarers, often riding thermal updrafts to reach extreme heights.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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The skilled crafts that underpin entertainment are also at risk of being lost, says David Offenberg, an entertainment finance professor at Loyola Marymount University.—
Ali Martin,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Additional songs teach kids the days of the week and the importance of washing your hands—now those are the kids of practical life skills wrapped up in an entertaining package both parents and kids can appreciate.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
13 June 2025
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For example, someone who’s the go-to person in navigating the team’s tools may want to improve their negotiation or decision-making skills.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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While this kind of deception is already possible manually, AI agents can scale it rapidly, increasing both the risk and potential volume of fraud.—
Aleksandra Bal,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Even commercial amusements that played with illusion, such as trompe l’oeil paintings and chess-playing automatons, helped train Americans of all classes to identify the signs of deception.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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The family secrets were subtle but pervasive, reverberating not just through this nuclear family, but also across generations.—
Susan Walter
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
-
Your new album, Faith, is a lot subtler than your debut, Signs.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Several would require the skillful balancing of adverse political interests, including labor unions, real estate companies and pro-tenant groups.—
Mihir Zaveri,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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In short, this is about being emotionally skillful and multifaceted.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Noun
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Smalls displayed his guile and courage in the midst of chattel slavery and the Civil War.—
Ken Makin,
Christian Science Monitor,
10 June 2025
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While not necessarily with the same resume as Mitchell, Smith’s defensive guile and ability to space the floor with his shooting could stand as a low-cost alternative to Mitchell, likely at the veteran minimum.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 May 2025
Noun
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From the master-of-disguise frogfish to a butt-biting jackal and a multi headed caterpillar playing the decoy, these are the masters of deception and deceit.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2025
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When a simple mistake turns into a fatal error for one of his patients, Sam tries to bury the truth under a facade of perfection, knowing that a lifetime of deceit is about to be exposed.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cunning. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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