WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
art•ful /ˈɑrtfəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
art•ful•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- slyly crafty or cunning;
tricky;
ingenious:artful in twisting stories. - done with or characterized by art or skill:the magician's artful performance.
art•ful•ness, n. [uncountable]
art•ful
(ärt′fəl),USA pronunciation adj.
art′ful•ly, adv.
art′ful•ness, n.
- slyly crafty or cunning;
deceitful;
tricky:artful schemes. - skillful or clever in adapting means to ends;
ingenious:an artful choice of metaphors and similes. - done with or characterized by art or skill:artful acting; artful repairs.
- [Archaic.]artificial.
- art1 + -ful 1605–15
art′ful•ness, n.
'artfulness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):