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
Shrewd is a synonym for cunning in crafty topic. In some cases you can use "Shrewd" instead an adjective "Cunning", when it comes to topics like ingenious, devious. popular alternative
Nearby Word: cunningly
Shrewd
Shrewd adjective - Having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment.
Usage example: shrewd investments that paid off big
Cunning is a synonym for shrewd in astute topic. You can use "Cunning" instead the word "Shrewd" as an adjective or a noun, if it concerns topics such as clever. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- Maximilian Liao was originally a fairly shrewd and cunning ruler, but slipped into delusion after his defeat in the 4th Succession War.
Source: Sanity Has Advantages -
Something of a subversion in that the gang-leader proves himself to be quite shrewd and cunning.
Source: All Bikers Are Hells Angels -
Dwarves are known to be shrewd and cunning businessmen, and many prominent Dwarven characters are bankers.
Source: Our Dwarves Are All the Same
Cite this Source
Shrewd and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 10, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shrewd
Cunning & Shrewd. N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shrewd>.
Shrewd or Cunning. 2016. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/shrewd.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cunning" and "shrewd" have occurred on timeline