crafty
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for crafty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Clever in a sly or deceptive way; skilled at tricking others.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use crafty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
crafty fox
crafty plan
crafty old man
Etymology
From Old English cræftig ("skilful, powerful"), from the same root as craft — the meaning gradually shifted from general skill to cunning.
Full origin of crafty →Frequently asked questions
What does “crafty” mean?
The word “crafty” means clever in a sly or deceptive way; skilled at tricking others. In plain terms, clever in a scheming or sneaky way, not necessarily dishonest but often implying trickery.
How do you pronounce “crafty”?
“Crafty” is pronounced KRAHF-tee (/ˈkɹæfti/ in IPA).
How do you use “crafty” in a sentence?
Here is “crafty” used in a sentence: “The crafty fox slipped past the guard dogs unnoticed.”
What part of speech is “crafty”?
“Crafty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “crafty” come from?
The word “crafty” comes from Old English. From Old English cræftig ("skilful, powerful"), from the same root as craft — the meaning gradually shifted from general skill to cunning.
Is “crafty” a common word?
“Crafty” is an uncommon word in modern English.
