Cunning
Cunning adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Smart is a synonym for cunning in imaginative topic. In some cases you can use "Smart" instead the word "Cunning" as an adjective or a noun, when it comes to topics like skillful, devious.
Nearby Word: cunningly
Smart
Smart adjective - Having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment.
Usage example: a smart investment that has really paid off
Cunning is a synonym for smart in character trait topic. Sometimes you can use "Cunning" instead the word "Smart" as an adjective or a noun, if it concerns topics such as skillful.
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- Despite being very smart and cunning, Frieza firmly falls into this thanks to his arrogance.
Source: Smug Snake / Anime and Manga -
Even if she is a fat and lazy woman who makes Tar-chan, Pedro and Ryo-shihan do all the chores, she is actually quite smart and cunning.
Source: Anime / Jungle King Tar-Chan -
Crafty (Goblin, sometimes Rat Man): Small, numerous and often smart and cunning, otherwise they wouldn't still be around.
Source: Fantasy Axis of Evil
Cite this Source
Smart and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/smart
Cunning & Smart. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/smart>.
Smart or Cunning. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/smart.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cunning" and "smart" have occurred on timeline