What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cunningest
Example
He was the cunningest thief in the city, always finding ways to get what he wanted. [cunningest: superlative adjective]
Example
She used her cunningest tactics to win the game, surprising everyone with her clever moves. [cunningest: superlative adjective]
slyest
Example
He gave her a sly smile, knowing that he had tricked her into believing his lies. [sly: adjective]
Example
She was the slyest of all her siblings, always finding ways to get what she wanted without anyone noticing. [slyest: superlative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slyest is more commonly used than cunningest in everyday language. Slyest is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cunningest is less common and may sound outdated or formal in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cunningest and slyest?
While cunningest may sound formal or outdated in some contexts, slyest is typically associated with a casual and informal tone. Both words can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and tone of the sentence.