Cunning
Cunning adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: a cunning, underhanded plan to win the election by preying on people's fears and prejudices
Sharp is a synonym for cunning in ability topic. In some cases you can use "Sharp" instead an adjective "Cunning", when it comes to topics like crafty, devious, shrewd.
Nearby Word: cunningly
Sharp
Sharp adjective - Given to or marked by cheating and deception.
Usage example: sharp business practices that are being investigated by the state's consumer protection agency
Cunning is a synonym for sharp in ability topic. Sometimes you can use "Cunning" instead an adjective "Sharp", if it concerns topics such as dishonest.
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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She may not ever show it publicly, but this character has a cunning mind with sharp intelligence and a strong will that won't bow for anyone.
Source: Silk Hiding Steel -
When you want to show the keen, obsidian-sharp mind of a character at work, or lay out their cunning and complex plans out in a Comic Book, Web Comic or similar media, the best way to do it is with a Rebus Bubble.
Source: Rebus Bubble -
Despite possessing the abilities to turn her fingertips into extremely sharp extendable blades her most dangerous attributes is her cunning and beauty which she uses to manipulate men into doing what she wants.
Source: Raven Hair, Ivory Skin
Cite this Source
Sharp and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sharp
Cunning & Sharp. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sharp>.
Sharp or Cunning. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sharp.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cunning" and "sharp" have occurred on timeline