1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
the artful lawyer got the witness to admit he had been lying
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inventive
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
that kitchen gadget is an artful tool for extracting cherry pits
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3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
that was an artful way to handle a very delicate situation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artful
The artful stitching on this one adds a textural element to the water-resistant polyester cover.
—
Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025
Haddad’s premiere: Composer Saad Haddad, the California Symphony’s composer-in-residence, is known for his artful blend of Western music and Middle Eastern traditions; his works have been performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Chicago Composers Orchestra, the JACK Quartet and many others.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
But therapy in the great outdoors, even with stunning visuals and artful metaphors, can only take a show so far, though it’s greatly helped by Landau’s graceful direction, Melecio Estrella and Bandaloop’s vertical staging and an impressive supporting cast.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Even after 27 years in prison, Mandela was able to counter his bullies with patience, forgiveness, and artful negotiation.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025
Haddad’s premiere: Composer Saad Haddad, the California Symphony’s composer-in-residence, is known for his artful blend of Western music and Middle Eastern traditions; his works have been performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Chicago Composers Orchestra, the JACK Quartet and many others.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
But therapy in the great outdoors, even with stunning visuals and artful metaphors, can only take a show so far, though it’s greatly helped by Landau’s graceful direction, Melecio Estrella and Bandaloop’s vertical staging and an impressive supporting cast.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Even after 27 years in prison, Mandela was able to counter his bullies with patience, forgiveness, and artful negotiation.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artful
Adjective
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The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
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With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the course of his three decade-spanning career from the 1950s through 1980s, Krause has designed sets for over 180 productions, earning acclaim for his inventive and elegant visual style.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2025
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Menus now feature more inventive options designed to surprise.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
13 Apr. 2025
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Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
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Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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An innovative partnership with Arizona Worm Farm led to 21 tons of waste food being composted.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Through innovative thinking, sports organisations are engaging to support waste being transformed into anything from furniture to clothing.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Even the packaging gets the artistic treatment, as BAPE STA sneaker boxes transform into collectible graphic novels, blending streetwear with comic book aesthetics.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Two days after the event, at least five members of the Kennedy Center’s social-impact team, including its vice-president and artistic director, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, were let go.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artful. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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