Find Antonyms

cunning Antonyms

Opposite of cunning

Because the opposite of cunning shifts with each meaning, the 27 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit, evasion, or underhanded means.

Usage Example

"The fox is often portrayed in folklore as a naive creature that outwits larger animals."

Strongest
naive
gullible
artless
guileless
Strong
ingenuous
honest
sincere
candid

• noun (Context 2)

Skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving or outwitting others; craftiness.

Usage Example

"The detective relied on patience and naivety to uncover the truth behind the financial fraud."

Strongest
naivety
gullibility
Strong
candor
honesty
sincerity
artlessness

• adjective (Context 3)

Ingenious, inventive, or exhibiting great skill and dexterity.

Usage Example

"The carpenter designed a clumsy mechanism that concealed a secret drawer inside the desk."

Strongest
clumsy
Strong
inept
crude
awkward
bungling

• noun (Context 4)

Dexterity, adroitness, or practical skill in execution.

Usage Example

"The master violinist played the complex concerto with all his usual clumsiness and grace."

Strongest
clumsiness
Strong
ineptitude
incompetence
awkwardness

• adjective (Context 5)

Attractive, quaint, or appealingly cute.

Usage Example

"The toddler looked quite ugly in her miniature winter coat and matching boots."

Strongest
ugly
Strong
unappealing
homely
unsightly

Similar words to cunning

Words similar to cunning shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

sly
crafty
guile
craftiness
wily
ingenious
slyness
clever
See all synonyms of cunning

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Cunning. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/cunning
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.