cunningly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that shows ingenuity or shrewdness.
The game introduces basic principles of coding and develops problem-solving prowess while cunningly disguised as just another game.
-
Informal. in a way that is charmingly cute or appealing.
The cunningly named FarmHouse Hotel reflects the quaint beauty of the English countryside.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cunningly
Explanation
To do something cunningly is to do it in a crafty, sneaky, and skillful manner. You might cunningly distract your parents so your brother can sneak a few extra cookies from the cookie jar. Just make sure he shares. If you do something cunningly, you are being a little sneaky. You might cunningly compliment your mom just to get on her good side before she sees your report card. Your best friend might lie so cunningly that people always believe him, while your awkward fibs get you caught every time. Cunningly comes from the adjective cunning, based on the now-obsolete verb cunnen, "to know."
Vocabulary lists containing cunningly
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
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!
The Jungle Book
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!
Part 2 Vocabulary (Unit 1)
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!
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.
Copley has cunningly offered us, however, more than a pause in an artist’s actions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
Lily Tuck cunningly layers history and character to restore to life Czeslawa Kwoka, who died in Auschwitz.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2025
Passing sentence Judge Geoffery Baker QC described Saeed as a "charlatan", who had carried out a deception that had been "cunningly contrived, skilfully executed, and brazenly maintained over three decades".
From BBC ● Feb. 23, 2025
There’s much to appreciate about a show that cunningly strives not only to be deemed good but to make us redefine what that means.
From Salon ● Jun. 4, 2024
When they return they make bathroom jokes, quips about wetting your pants and running out of toilet paper, eyeing me cunningly while they do so.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
