cunningly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "cunningly" in your crossword puzzle, you've landed on the perfect page. We provide clear, concise answers tailored to various letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "cunningly crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SLYLY: Acting in a clever, tricky, or secretive way, which perfectly aligns with 'cunningly'.
6 Letters
FOXILY: In a crafty or artful way, characteristic of a fox, a direct synonym for 'cunningly'.
8 Letters
ARTFULLY: Done with skill and cleverness, often implying a degree of cunning or subtle manipulation.
CRAFTILY: In a cunning and deceptive manner, using cleverness often to achieve something by indirect means.
More About "cunningly crossword clue"
The word "cunningly" is an adverb derived from "cunning," which describes someone or something that is skilled in deception or shrewdness. In crosswords, clues featuring "cunningly" often require an adverbial answer that conveys a sense of cleverness, craftiness, or artifice in execution. These words usually end in '-LY', making them identifiable once you grasp the core meaning.
Understanding the various shades of "cunningly" can significantly help. It can imply a positive skill (like artfully performing a task) or a negative one (like slyly tricking someone). Crossword setters love to play on these nuances. Always consider both the direct synonyms and words that describe an action performed with shrewdness or ingenuity.
Solving these types of clues also encourages you to expand your vocabulary related to wit, intellect, and deception. Familiarity with common synonyms and their subtle differences will make you a more formidable crossword solver. Don't be afraid to try different options if your first thought doesn't fit the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Cunningly" is an adverb. Your answer will almost certainly be an adverb, likely ending in -LY. This instantly narrows down your options.
- Consider Synonyms & Nuances: Think broadly about words that mean clever, tricky, deceptive, or shrewd. Does the context suggest positive skill or negative deception?
- Check Letter Count First: Before guessing, always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most powerful filter for potential solutions.
- Look for Common Roots: Sometimes, the answer will be an adverbial form of a common adjective or noun related to cunning, like 'fox' leading to 'FOXILY'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunningly' mean in a crossword context?
'Cunningly' in a crossword clue usually points to words that mean cleverly, artfully, shrewdly, or deceptively. Common synonyms often include words like SLYLY, FOXILY, ARTFULLY, or TRICKILY. The key is to think of actions or qualities performed with subtle skill or a hidden agenda.
How do I identify synonyms for 'cunningly' in crosswords?
To identify synonyms for 'cunningly', consider the nuance of the word. Is it about skill (artfully, deftly)? Deception (slyly, trickily)? Or shrewdness (astutely)? Pay attention to the number of letters required, as this often narrows down the options. Thinking about animal characteristics, like a 'fox' (foxily), can also provide clues.
Are there common tricks related to 'cunningly' clues?
Crossword setters often use 'cunningly' as a straightforward synonym clue, but sometimes it can hint at an adverb form (ending in -LY) if the base word is a noun or adjective. For example, 'cunning' leads to 'cunningly'. Be mindful of wordplay where 'cunning' might refer to 'knowing' or 'skillful' rather than just 'deceptive'.