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
Sam was the canny Shubert, the vaguely artistic Shubert, the thought-to-be-maybe-gay Shubert.
—
Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
This potentially opens up the arrangement to challenge by activists such as Max Schrems, a canny Austrian privacy advocate, whose legal complaints led to the collapse of two previous arrangements.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 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
Sam was the canny Shubert, the vaguely artistic Shubert, the thought-to-be-maybe-gay Shubert.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
This potentially opens up the arrangement to challenge by activists such as Max Schrems, a canny Austrian privacy advocate, whose legal complaints led to the collapse of two previous arrangements.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 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
Sam was the canny Shubert, the vaguely artistic Shubert, the thought-to-be-maybe-gay Shubert.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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In the majors, Goldschmidt said, manager Kirk Gibson and coach Eric Young Sr. — who combined for more than 700 steals in their careers — shared the emphasis on smart base running.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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Roach chose the more legal one, but not necessarily the smartest.—
Bill Dwyre,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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There’s deep emotion and vulnerability in Blanchett’s work, with its performance counteracting the New Boy’s calm and comfortable otherness with an almost overbearing dedication to care.—
Ella Kemp,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
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Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers bought the Infantino Flip baby carrier last month, which is ergonomically designed to keep both parent and baby comfortable.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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The directors’ astute perception of (mis)communication between the sexes stems from her experience growing up with her parents, who stayed together for societal and financial reasons.—
Blake Simons,
IndieWire,
17 May 2025
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Only this time, a tactically astute coach is required.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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May 16 Noon Concert: Piano students of Kumaran Arul perform in a relaxed midday setting.—
Jake Richardson,
Mercury News,
12 May 2025
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This soft, versatile shade is popping up everywhere, from my Instagram feed to my go-to retailers, offering the relaxed vibe of denim without the weight.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Roseman had obtained the 10th pick via shrewd trades, then traded up one spot to get Carter.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
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He was roasted by his party for negotiating with local Democrats to give them a seat on the township board in exchange for keeping the GOP majority, a move that looks shrewd today.—
Justin Kaufmann,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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They have been elevated by some savvy architects, undercut by assorted chain operations and frequently left for dead by the side of the road.—
Christopher Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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But the Bulls will have to be savvy in their selection process to repeat that feat this summer.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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