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cunning

[kuhn-ing] / ˈkʌn ɪŋ /




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.

Septimius Severus was capable by turns of savagery, cunning, wit and generosity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

As Simon Elliott describes in his biography “The African Emperor,” Severus was a mercurial and contradictory character, capable by turns of savagery, cunning, wit and generosity, and always blessed with a sense of the theatrical.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

As Thia tries to complete the mission she failed alongside her synthetic sister, Fanning relishes the chance to play the far more violent and cunning counterpart, Tessa.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

His detractors say it shows he lacks the cunning, quick instincts of the best politicians.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

Despite all my cunning, I came in one afternoon to find her generously slathering her hands with my Jergen’s.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson




Vocabulary lists containing cunning