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
Tricky is a synonym for cunning in crafty topic. In some cases you can use "Tricky" instead an adjective "Cunning", when it comes to topics like ability, devious. popular alternative
Nearby Word: cunningly
Tricky
Tricky adjective - Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means.
Usage example: he's a tricky one, so be careful when dealing with him
Cunning is a synonym for tricky in ability topic. You can use "Cunning" instead the word "Tricky" as an adjective or a noun, if it concerns topics such as character trait, sly, deceptive. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- Coyotes and Jackals: Cunning and tricky, although their antics can backfire and make them look like the foolish ones.
Source: Analysis / Animal Stereotypes -
The main characters of Dora Wilk Series fall into these categories: Miron's fighter, the strongest and most experienced one, Joshua's mage, with his attitude and skills, and Dora, tricky and cunning, is thief.
Source: Fighter, Mage, Thief - Want them to be tricky, cunning, or confident?
Source: Animal Stereotypes
Cite this Source
Tricky and Cunning. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/tricky
Cunning & Tricky. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/tricky>.
Tricky or Cunning. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cunning/tricky.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cunning" and "tricky" have occurred on timeline