- present participle of can.
cunning
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He comes to see the Trojan Horse itself, his great act of cunning, as a violation of Zeus’ sacred law of hospitality.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
The story of the “Wooden Horse,” as most translations call it, gets only brief references in Homer’s epic, cited in passing as an example of Odysseus’s cunning.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
Telemachus was so young when his father left for the Trojan wars that he doesn't remember him - except through the already mythical stories told about his exploits, cunning and bravery.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
He is cunning, not intelligent — something he unwittingly proves every time he claims that passing a basic mental competency test shows his brilliance.
From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2026
“Our only chance is clever bargaining. Cliff trolls are cunning and ruthless, but their avarice can be a weakness.”
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Vocabulary lists containing cunning
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Tricky Terms for April Fool's Day
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 6
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
