1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a canny card player, good at psyching out his opponents
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comfortable
chiefly Scottish
enjoying physical comfort
warm and canny under the woolen bedcovers, we didn't mind the chilly Scottish nights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of canny
Beneath the high emotion, Patty remains a canny operator.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, through a combination of canny collaborations (Charli XCX, Arca), hip creative direction, and bulletproof singles, her forthcoming debut album (still untitled and speculative) has all the potential to cement Rae’s status among the pop prestige.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, through a combination of canny collaborations (Charli XCX, Arca), hip creative direction, and bulletproof singles, her forthcoming debut album (still untitled and speculative) has all the potential to cement Rae’s status among the pop prestige.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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An increasing number of smart, eco-conscious entrepreneurs are putting Earth first by utilizing unwanted materials that would otherwise end up as trash.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside Online,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Even smart bulbs and other kinds of smart lighting often require less power than traditional lights.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These minimalist interior designers skillfully incorporate clean lines and neutral palettes to devise interiors that are comfortable and highly functional.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2025
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The retired central banker had never run for public office before, and Canadian commentators have praised him for doing the barest basics of campaigning, such as taking photos with voters and being comfortable in crowds.—
The Editors,
National Review,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This is an astute observation from perhaps hockey’s most astute coach.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Financially, few compare to Tottenham Hotspur’s astute business acumen, as football finance expert at the University of Liverpool Kieran Maguire pointed out on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast recently.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The wooden slats are uniform, but rounded edges help create a more relaxed outdoor atmosphere.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
18 Apr. 2025
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Everyday Ladylike Light-wash barrel jeans from Mother Denim add a relaxed edge to a ladylike sweater set and kitten heels, making the whole look feel cool, not fussy.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Getting Jones in Round 5 in 2022 was a shrewd move, but the Bears need more Day 2 and Day 3 hits.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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Unlike Malone’s many shrewd moves over decades in the media business, however, the WBD merger hasn’t yet borne fruit.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the truly savvy teens aren't punching time clocks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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With $80 billion in new funding from Congress, the IRS went shopping for young, tech savvy accountants and engineers who could deconstruct the complex returns of the wealthy and private companies.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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