cunning

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.

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

Known as "the crocodile" because of his political cunning, his final five-year term is due to expire in 2028.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 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

The episode sheds some light on Luthen and Kleya’s shared past and how they became the cunning spymaster and capable right hand that audiences have come to know in the series.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

We had a cunning little dipper we could send down into the pan on a length of picture wire.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck