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canniness

noun

Definition of canninessnext
1
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters negotiates business deals with all of the proverbial canniness of an old-time horse trader

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means the canniness with which she negotiated her contract as spokesperson for the shoe manufacturer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
  1. intelligence
  2. cunning
  3. wit
  4. artfulness
  5. shrewdness
  6. subtlety
  7. acumen
  8. insight
Noun
  • Our current architecture estimates suggest that separating deterministic execution from runtime intelligence could reduce expected token consumption by around 90% compared with initial approaches.
    — Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • From our first conversations, Jon blew us away with his intelligence and deep creative insights about how to craft great stories.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • Tight end Eric Saubert played for him in San Francisco and adored the coach’s wit back then.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This reputation is tied to the biting wit and unruly imagination found across his prose, poetry and political writings.
    — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • No need to get bogged down in questions about provenance, artfulness, long-form storytelling, or even metaphors.
    — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • All of this shone vividly through his work, which shared his joy, artfulness and deep feeling, and most of all privileged human experience and social interaction.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Definition of artfulness
Noun
  • Spain’s shrewdness came in their refusal to engage with off-the-ball trivialities.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Instead, Franklin will rise by virtue of hard work and (actual) shrewdness.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of shrewdness
Noun
  • The smallest detail can affect the toy’s value, from the stuffing — the initial batch was reportedly made with PVC pellets, while later versions were made with polyethylene pellets — to subtleties in the eyes, nose or mouth.
    — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • They’re just executed here with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtlety
Noun
  • Cignetti has tapped into a distinctly Hoosier brand of team pride, which proves that his acumen is just as strong off the football field as on it.
    — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    — Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023
Definition of acumen
Noun
  • Give yourself time to follow the insight before rushing to discuss it.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Also make time for Ian O’Connor’s remembrance, with insights from families of 9/11 victims.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of insight
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

cannily
canniness
canning
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Cite this Entry

“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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