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.
As Simon Elliott describes in his biography “The African Emperor,” Severus was a mercurial and contradictory character, capable by turns of savagery, cunning, wit and generosity, and always blessed with a sense of the theatrical.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
The hosts kicked just as often, but with more cunning and variety, circumventing England with sideways nudges.
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
As Thia tries to complete the mission she failed alongside her synthetic sister, Fanning relishes the chance to play the far more violent and cunning counterpart, Tessa.
From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026
While he wouldn’t bet against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—he called Altman one of “the most cunning founders, CEOs—whatever you want to call it—that I have ever met”—Ohanian noted that OpenAI faces a test.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025
Werfel looked from face to robber’s face and saw only anger, hurt, hatred, and cunning.
From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
Vocabulary lists containing cunning
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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Tricky Terms for April Fool's Day
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 6
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