Definition Synonyms
Definition of cunning - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
deceitful skillskillful in achieving goals through deceit or evasion
- Her cunning plan successfully fooled everyone.
2.
skillful clevernessskillfully made or showing cleverness
- The cunning design of the gadget impressed everyone.
Noun
1.
intelligencecleverness or skill in achieving goals
- His cunning in solving problems was admired.
2.
guiledisposition to use skill artfully or deceitfully
- His cunning was evident in the negotiation.
3.
animalsnatural instincts or wit of an animal
- The fox's cunning was impressive.
4.
craftRare UK practical skill used secretly or craftilyRare UK
- Her cunning helped her win the game.
Expressions with cunning
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deceitful cleverness used for dishonest purposes
He achieved his goals through low cunning and manipulation.
skillful manipulation of words for humor or effect
The comedian's cunning linguistics had the audience in stitches.
man known for being clever and deceitful
The cunning man tricked everyone into believing his lies.
Origin of cunning
Middle English, cunne (know) + -ing (suffix)
Terms with cunning included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
cunning person
clever and deceitful person
dishonest behavior
cunning and deceitful, not straightforward or honest
strategy
strategic or cunning action to achieve a goal
deceptive
deceptively charming or cunning
trick plans
sly and cunning
cunning
in a cunning and subtle way
skilled cunning person
someone who is skilled at achieving goals through cunning
trick
cunning strategy to deceive others
evade
escape from someone using skill or cunning
behavior
cunning and sly in behavior
wisdom
experienced person clever and cunning
deception
mislead someone with cunning or deceit
behavior
person cunning and deceitful
behavior
elusive or cunning in behavior
deception
cunning person who uses trickery
deception
deceptive or cunning strategy
escape situation
extract oneself from a situation by cunning means
cunning
clever and skilled at tricking others
intelligence
extremely clever in a cunning or mischievous way
habitual
individual who habitually engages in cunning plans
cunning person
cunning or skillful in achieving goals
cunning
person who is cunning or crafty
honesty
free from deceit or cunning
deceptive intelligence
seems foolish but is actually clever and cunning
Examples of cunning in a sentence
The detective admired the criminal's cunning tactics. Her cunning plan saved the day. The cunning architecture of the building was admired by all. Her cunning in negotiations secured the deal. The detective's cunning led to the criminal's capture. Her cunning in the game was unmatched.
The cunning of the fox is legendary. The owl's cunning allowed it to hunt silently. Cunning is what makes the raccoon a clever scavenger. His cunning was evident in the elaborate plan. The detective admired the thief's cunning.
View all translations of cunning
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:rusé, ruse, ...
- German:gerissen, Gerissenheit, ...
- Italian:astuto, astuzia, ...
- Spanish:engañoso, astucia, ...
- Portuguese:ardiloso, astúcia, ...
- Chinese:诡诈的, 聪明才智, ...
- Japanese:狡猾な, 狡猾さ, ...
- Arabic:مَاكِر, دَهَاء, ...
- Hebrew:עַרְמוּמִּי, עַרְמוּמִיּוּת, ...
- Russian:коварный, хитрость, ...
- Ukrainian:підступний, хитрість, ...
- Hindi:धूर्त, चतुराई, ...
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