cunning
14 synonyms and 8 antonyms for cunning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Clever in a sly or deceptive way, skilled at getting what you want through trickery.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
How to use cunning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a cunning plan
cunning as a fox
cunning strategy
Etymology
From Middle English cunning, originally the present participle of a verb meaning "to know how to" — related to "can" and "con" (as in "con artist").
Full origin of cunning →Frequently asked questions
What does “cunning” mean?
The word “cunning” means clever in a sly or deceptive way, skilled at getting what you want through trickery. In plain terms, clever in a scheming, often underhanded way — being smart but in a way that can't quite be trusted.
How do you pronounce “cunning”?
“Cunning” is pronounced KUH-nihng (/ˈkʌnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cunning” in a sentence?
Here is “cunning” used in a sentence: “The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in folk tales.”
What is another word for “cunning”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cunning” include craftiness, foxship, list, abet, art and beguilement.
What is the opposite of “cunning”?
The opposite of “cunning” — its antonyms — are artlessness, bluntness, candor, honesty and innocence.
What part of speech is “cunning”?
Depending on how it is used, “cunning” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “cunning” come from?
The word “cunning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cunning, originally the present participle of a verb meaning "to know how to" — related to "can" and "con" (as in "con artist").
Is “cunning” a common word?
“Cunning” is an uncommon word in modern English.
