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Synonyms

crafty

American  
[kraf-tee, krahf-] / ˈkræf ti, ˈkrɑf- /

adjective

craftier, craftiest
  1. skillful in underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly.

    Synonyms:
    scheming , designing , tricky , wily
  2. Obsolete.  skillful; ingenious; dexterous.


crafty British  
/ ˈkrɑːftɪ /

adjective

  1. skilled in deception; shrewd; cunning

  2. archaic  skilful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • craftily adverb
  • craftiness noun
  • quasi-craftily adverb
  • quasi-crafty adjective
  • uncraftily adverb
  • uncraftiness noun
  • uncrafty adjective

Etymology

Origin of crafty

before 900; Middle English; Old English cræftig skilled. See craft, -y 1

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.

Iacoboni is fairly crafty, she said, so handmade ornaments are an option if there is time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thanksgiving offers a chance to get crafty with traditional holiday staples.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rich, evocative, crafty and exciting, it’s one of the few standout movies of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

But, in what looks in hindsight like a crafty bait-and-switch, the show actually led with Logan’s fragility.

From Washington Post

Even the 29-game absence of Delon Wright early in the season contributed to Washington’s slow start as its defense dropped off without the crafty veteran guard.

From Washington Times