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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The versatility, the intelligence, the playmaking and that ineffable ability to win — the Frenchman was a basketball romantic’s dream.
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As these systems begin to mirror and amplify human intelligence, agency, and even our flaws, the stakes become existential.
Noun
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Honest Abe is forced to scheme, relying on grit and cunning to win the votes to abolish slavery.
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Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.
Noun
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What happened to his barbed humanistic wit?
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With the same masterful blend of wit, insight, and empathy that made John Proctor a runaway hit, Born in the Dirt is a wickedly funny, vibrantly human new play about the meaning of art, community, and the complicated business of making something that lasts.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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Instead, Franklin will rise by virtue of hard work and (actual) shrewdness.
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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.
Noun
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The subtlety here is that financial stress is rarely just about money.
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Versace isn't one of the world's most famous fashion houses thanks to its subtlety, and the brand's swimsuits are just as bright, bold, and daring as its couture and ready-to-wear collections.
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.
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The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
Noun
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Ideas want action, so test an insight through one clear step, like outlining a bold pitch that stretches you.
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These culinary insights offer a glimpse into Canada's diverse gastronomic offerings for World Cup attendees.
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Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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