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
Relevance
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
Noun
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In the past year, GUDEA, a behavioral intelligence startup that tracks viral, reputation-harming claims on the internet, flagged two separate bot smear campaigns against Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2026 -
Greek authorities gave no further details of the drone, while Greek naval experts said that its features resemble Ukrainian Magura-type craft — a platform developed by Ukraine's intelligence service.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Maybe the mere fact of having been born illustrious, with no apparent faults, with nothing to prove or to be ashamed of, had liberated John from the resentments the rest of us feel, and from the cunning and ambition such resentments fuel.—
Jeffrey Eugenides,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The Brazil international combines technical craft with a decisive cunning.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Their choreographed debate exploited and skewered stereotypes via expert timing and pointed wit, hitting home with the predominantly Asian and South Asian audience.—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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Known for his genial wit, Grover had joined the Office of Strategic Services during World War II before returning to head the Archives in 1948.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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There is a real seriousness to the score — the scheming bad-guy music has the artfulness of Prokofiev, and even the sneaking-around cues have musical integrity and structure.—
Tim Greiving,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
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Venusian shrewdness and Mercurian intelligence are coming together to boost your analytical powers — at least, in regard to your own finances.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Sports fans can appreciate subtlety but there is a reason baseball hosts a home run derby and not a bunt fest, and basketball has a dunk contest in lieu of a layup line.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Fukada stealthily shades in these subtleties of feeling into the story with exacting skill, creating a drama that touches on social issues but never feels issues-driven.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
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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
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The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
20 Jan. 2023
Noun
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The platform's legal analytics tools allow attorneys to analyze judicial and attorney behavior, help predict outcomes, and identify strategic insights from historical court data.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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In true Pisces form, Goose serves as a shoulder Maverick can rely on, offering him advice and insight at all times.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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