cunning crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "cunning crossword clue". We've gathered all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "cunning crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Possessing or showing a cunning and deceitful nature, often in a quick or subtle way.
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully; cunning.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods; cunning.
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; shrewd and cunning.
ARTFUL: Clever or skillful, especially in a cunning or crafty way.
7 Letters
DEVIOUS: Skilled in deception, often in a complex or indirect way; characterized by indirect methods.
9 Letters
INGENIOUS: Clever, original, and inventive, sometimes implying a cunning resourcefulness.
More About "cunning crossword clue"
"Cunning" is a versatile word frequently featured in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms and subtle nuances. It can describe a sharp intellect, a shrewd ability to navigate complex situations, or a more deceptive and artful skill in manipulation. Crossword setters often leverage these varied connotations, making "cunning" a highly engaging clue.
When you encounter "cunning" in a crossword, consider the full spectrum of its meaning. Does the clue suggest a positive trait, like the ingenuity of an inventor (INGENIOUS), or a more negative one, like the trickery of a villain (WILY, DEVIOUS)? Pay close attention to the word's position in the clue, any accompanying words, and especially the number of letters required for the answer. These factors are critical in determining whether the solution leans towards shrewdness (ASTUTE) or slyness (SLY).
Mastering clues like "cunning" involves not just knowing direct synonyms but also understanding the context and tone implied by the puzzle. It's a prime example of how crosswords test your vocabulary depth and your ability to discern subtle differences between closely related terms. By exploring all potential interpretations, you significantly increase your chances of solving even the trickiest puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For a word like "cunning," list all possible synonyms (sly, astute, crafty) and even antonyms (naïve, clumsy) if the clue hints at an opposite meaning or wordplay.
- Match Letter Counts: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to narrow down potential solutions and prioritize your brainstorming efforts for "cunning."
- Consider Connotation: Does "cunning" in this specific clue feel positive (clever, resourceful) or negative (deceptive, tricky)? This can help you select the most appropriate synonym.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are your best friends. They'll confirm whether your proposed "cunning" answer fits the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunning' imply in a crossword clue?
'Cunning' in a crossword often implies synonyms related to being clever, shrewd, artful, sly, or even tricky and deceptive. The specific context of the puzzle or intersecting letters will help narrow down the exact meaning, as 'cunning' can have both positive (ingenious) and negative (devious) connotations.
How can I find the right synonym for 'cunning' if I'm stuck?
When stuck on a 'cunning' clue, think about the word's various facets: is it about cleverness (e.g., ASTUTE), trickery (e.g., WILY), or simply being smart (e.g., SHREWD)? Consider words of different lengths and those that fit the existing letters in your grid. Try working backwards from any known letters in the solution.
Are 'cunning' and 'clever' always interchangeable in crosswords?
While 'cunning' and 'clever' are often related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Clever' generally denotes intelligence and ingenuity, whereas 'cunning' often carries a connotation of skill in deception or achieving ends through indirect means. A crossword setter will choose the word that best fits the precise nuance and letter count required for the answer.