cunning crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "cunning crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "cunning crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Often used to describe someone or something that is devious or artfully cunning in a mischievous way.
4 Letters
WILY: Describes someone who is full of wiles; crafty or cunning, especially in tricky situations.
6 Letters
ARTFUL: Implies cleverness or skill, especially in a way that is subtle or devious, fitting the 'cunning' description well.
SHREWD: Denotes sharp intelligence and practical cunning, often used positively for business or strategic thinking.
8 Letters
GUILEFUL: Directly relates to using guile, which is sly or cunning intelligence, making it a strong synonym for 'cunning'.
More About "cunning crossword clue"
The term "cunning" in crosswords can be a delightful challenge, as it encapsulates a range of meanings from cleverness and ingenuity to slyness and deceit. Depending on the context of the puzzle, the setter might be looking for a word that describes someone who is skilled at achieving their ends by indirect, often deceptive, means, or simply someone who is particularly astute or discerning.
Understanding the nuances of synonyms like 'sly', 'artful', 'shrewd', and 'wily' is key. While all suggest a form of cleverness, 'sly' and 'wily' often carry a connotation of trickery, whereas 'shrewd' typically implies astute judgment and practical intelligence without negative implications. 'Artful' can bridge both, suggesting skill that might be subtly deceptive.
Always consider the other intersecting clues, as these will provide the most valuable hints regarding the specific nuance and length of the "cunning" answer required. A clue paired with a hint about 'business acumen' might lead to 'SHREWD', while one about 'trickery' could point to 'WILY' or 'SLY'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "cunning," think broadly about words that mean the same or the opposite, as sometimes the clue is a wordplay or a double negative.
- Check word length: The number of letters is your most important constraint. Always count your known letters from intersecting words.
- Analyze the clue's tone: Is the clue playful, formal, or slightly negative? This can help you choose between synonyms that have different connotations (e.g., 'shrewd' vs. 'wily').
- Look for indicators: Pay attention to words like "perhaps," "maybe," "briefly," or "initially," which often indicate anagrams, abbreviations, or first letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunning' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'cunning' often points to words describing cleverness, slyness, or deceit, such as SLY, ARTFUL, SHREWD, GUILEFUL, or WILY. The specific answer depends on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How can I distinguish between similar 'cunning' answers like 'artful' and 'wily'?
Consider the nuance. 'Artful' often implies cleverness in design or execution, sometimes subtly deceptive. 'Wily' leans more towards trickery and shrewdness in outmaneuvering others. The number of letters and intersecting letters are crucial for narrowing it down.
Are there other words related to 'cunning' that often appear in crosswords?
Yes, common related terms include CRAFTY, TRICKY, ASTUTE, CAGEY, and designing. Always think about synonyms and antonyms, as well as different shades of meaning for 'clever' or 'deceptive'.