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
Shifty is a synonym for cunning in crafty topic. In some cases you can use "Shifty" instead an adjective "Cunning", when it comes to topics like devious.
Nearby Word: cunningly
Shifty
Shifty adjective - Given to acting in secret and to concealing one's intentions.
Usage example: shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts
Cunning is a synonym for shifty in deceitful topic. Sometimes you can use "Cunning" instead an adjective "Shifty", if it concerns topics such as devious.
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Shifty and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shifty
Cunning & Shifty. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shifty>.
Shifty or Cunning. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shifty.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cunning" and "shifty" have occurred on timeline