Definition of ARTFUL

artful

Meanings

Adjective

  • not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness; - David Cannadine
  • marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft
    • "the artful dodger"
    • "an artful choice of metaphors"

Adj

  • Characterized by, or performed with, cleverness or contrivance; clever, ingenious.
  • Not naturally produced; artificial; imitative.
  • Exhibiting or using much art or skill; dexterous; skilful.
  • Skilful at using dishonest or unfair means to achieve a purpose; crafty, cunning.
  • Knowledgeable about the liberal arts; learned, wise.

Origin / Etymology

From art (“skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation”) + -ful (suffix forming adjectives from nouns, with the sense of being full of, tending to, or thoroughly possessing the quality expressed by the noun).

Antonyms

artless, ingenuous

Scrabble Score: 9

artful is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
artful is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
artful is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

artful is a valid Words With Friends word