Artful

Quick meaning: Artful is an adjective meaning Characterized by, or performed with, cleverness or contrivance; clever, ingenious.

Meaning

Characterized by, or performed with, cleverness or contrivance; clever, ingenious.

More Meanings

1. Not naturally produced; artificial; imitative.
2. Exhibiting or using much art or skill; dexterous; skilful.
3. (especially) Skilful at using dishonest or unfair means to achieve a purpose; crafty, cunning.
4. (obsolete) Knowledgeable about the liberal arts; learned, wise.

Example Sentences

But oh! vvith Noon-day Heats oppreſs'd, / My aking Temples call for Reſt! / In yon cool Grotto's artful Night / Refreſhing Slumbers I'll invite, […]

Some of this Artfull coulour now I want, / VVhich from the Muſes I deſire to borrow, / In Melancholly Priam to diſpaint / The perfect Image and true face of Sorrow, […]

The nights ſtrange proſpects, made to feede the eyes; / With Artfull fyres, mounted in the skies: / Graced with horred claps of ſulphury thunders; / May make your mind, Iehouahs greater wonders.

VVhat ſtrength of arm, or Art-full ſtratagem, / From Nile’s fell Rover could deliver them, / VVho runs, and rovves, vvarring by Land and VVater / 'Gainſt Men and Fiſhes, ſubiect to his ſlaughter?

Word Forms

• artfull

Synonyms for artful

Depending on context, synonyms include adroit, deceitful, underhand, astute, cautelous, crafty.

Antonyms for artful

Common opposites include ingenuous, artless.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include wily, cunning, sly, tricksy, guileful, pawky.

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