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
Nearby Word: cunningly
Sincere
Sincere adjective - Free from any intent to deceive or impress others.
Usage example: done out of a sincere desire to help others
Both words in one sentence
- He expresses sincere admiration for her cunning, and continues to do so over their next several confrontations, leading her to betray her creator when she comes to the conclusion that he left her to die in order to delay Sylvester.
Source: Combat Compliment -
And, as stated above, Iceni and Drakon amusingly read Geary as much more politically cunning than he really is, turning his casual and sincere charity into masterful maneuvers to get their support and help himself.
Source: Literature / The Lost Stars -
I Love You Because I Can't Control You: If Bertram's final line is sincere, Helena's trickery — in other words, proof that she can be as cunning and devious as himself — leads to him respecting and loving her.
Cite this Source
Sincere and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sincere
Cunning & Sincere. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sincere>.
Sincere or Cunning. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/sincere.
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