artful

[ahrt-fuhl]

adjective

1. slyly crafty or cunning; deceitful; tricky.

   artful schemes.

2. skillful or clever in adapting means to ends; ingenious.

   an artful choice of metaphors and similes.

3. done with or characterized by art or skill.

   artful acting; artful repairs.

4. Archaic.,  artificial.

artful

/ ˈɑːtfʊl /

adjective

1. cunning or tricky

2. skilful in achieving a desired end

3. archaic,  characterized by skill or art

4. archaic,  artificial

Other Word Forms

• artfully adverb
• artfulness noun
• unartful adjective
• unartfully adverb
• unartfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of artful¹

First recorded in 1605–15; art ¹ + -ful

Example Sentences

They’ve also become a bit of a cool decor trend, acting as a conversation starter with artful designs and unique covers.

Read more on Salon

The insider’s artful complexity didn’t much interest Cornwall Capital.

Read more on Literature

The photographer James Van Der Zee brought a sensitive and artful eye to families in a moment of loss.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On the Bungalow Heaven tour, we examine home after artful home, none exactly alike.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Neutral colors, luxurious fabrics, artful but unadorned effects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adroit 
• ingenious 
• masterly 
• shrewd 
• slick 
• sly