crossword clue for cunning – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "cunning" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue for cunning" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Exhibiting skill in deception or trickery.
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.
ASTUTE: Having an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; shrewd.
7 Letters
DEVIOUS: Showing a skillful use of underhand tactics to achieve goals.
More About "crossword clue for cunning"
The word "cunning" in crosswords often refers to an ability to achieve one's ends by deceit or evasion. However, it can also imply shrewdness and a sharp intellect, making it a versatile clue for setters. Depending on the context and the number of letters, answers can range from straightforward synonyms like SLY to more nuanced terms like ASTUTE, which highlights the cleverness aspect without necessarily implying malice.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms of "cunning" is key to solving these types of clues. While CRAFTY and WILY both suggest a propensity for trickery, ASTUTE points more towards insightful perception and practical intelligence. Crossword constructors love to play on these ambiguities, so having a broad vocabulary of related terms is incredibly beneficial.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by noting the number of letters the answer requires. This immediately narrows down your options significantly.
- Consider Intersections: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters are invaluable for confirming or ruling out potential answers.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: For words like "cunning," brainstorm as many synonyms as possible. Sometimes, the clue might be a slightly less common synonym, or even an antonym if the clue implies a reversal.
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Pay attention to whether the clue has a positive, negative, or neutral connotation. This can help you distinguish between words like 'astute' (often positive) and 'devious' (negative), both of which could fit 'cunning'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best 'cunning' answer for my crossword?
Always consider the number of letters required by the puzzle. Also, look at any intersecting letters you might already have filled in. The specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'sly' vs. 'shrewd') can also guide your choice, as some synonyms of 'cunning' carry slightly different connotations.
Are there positive connotations for 'cunning' in crosswords?
While 'cunning' often implies deceit, words like 'astute' or 'shrewd' are also common answers for this clue, which convey a more positive sense of intelligence and cleverness. Crossword setters often play on these subtle differences.
What other clues might lead to answers related to 'cunning'?
You might find similar answers for clues like 'clever', 'artful', 'sly', 'tricky', 'deceitful', or 'sharp-witted'. Keeping a thesaurus in mind for synonyms can be very helpful when tackling such clues.