crossword clue cunning – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "cunning," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue cunning" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Dexterous in using caution; artful; wily. Often implies a playful or clever evasiveness.
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully. Suggests shrewdness combined with trickery.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods. Similar to wily, often implying skill in deception.
SHREWD: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. This sense of cunning is more about practical intelligence and keen insight, rather than deceit.
8 Letters
SCHEMING: Given to or involved in making secret and underhanded plans. Implies a more sustained and deliberate form of cunning, often with negative connotations.
More About "crossword clue cunning"
"Cunning" is a fascinating word often featured in crosswords because of its dual nature. It can describe a cleverness that is admirable, like a "cunning plan" to outsmart a rival in a game, or it can describe a deceptive and sly character, like a "cunning fox." This ambiguity makes it a rich source for varied answers in puzzles, requiring solvers to consider the precise nuance intended by the puzzle setter.
When you encounter "cunning" as a clue, think about the context. Is it paired with words suggesting intelligence, like "clever" or "sharp," leading to answers like SHREWD or ASTUTE? Or is it paired with words implying trickery, like "deceitful" or "sly," pointing towards WILY, CRAFTY, or SCHEMING? Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For words like "cunning," mentally list as many synonyms as possible. Sometimes, the clue might be a roundabout way to get to an antonym of a related concept.
- Check letter count carefully: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always confirm the length of the solution you have in mind matches the grid.
- Look at crossing words: If you're stuck, try to solve the intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters from a crossing word can drastically narrow down the possibilities for "cunning."
- Think of literary or historical figures: Sometimes, cunning can refer to a character known for this trait (e.g., "Ulysses" for cunning hero), though less common for a direct synonym clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the best crossword answer for 'cunning'?
The best answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle. Common answers for 'cunning' include SLY, WILY, CRAFTY, and SHREWD. Check the length of the blank in your crossword grid.
Are there different shades of meaning for 'cunning' in crosswords?
Yes, 'cunning' can refer to cleverness, astuteness, or a more deceitful, tricky nature. Answers like 'SHREWD' lean towards astute, while 'WILY' or 'CRAFTY' often imply a more deceptive cunning. Pay attention to any other accompanying clues or the puzzle's theme.
What are some common synonyms for 'cunning' in everyday language that might appear in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'cunning' that frequently appear as crossword answers include 'sly,' 'wily,' 'artful,' 'crafty,' 'astute,' 'shrewd,' and 'scheming.' The specific nuance required will depend on the puzzle's design.