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
-
The group is a terrorist organization made up of operatives, spies and intelligence officials from agencies around the world who want to create a new world order.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
24 May 2025 -
According to a new assessment from no fewer than 11 countries’ intelligence agencies, the hacker group has been targeting a broad array of technology and logistics firms involved in providing aid to Ukraine.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Neither his fearsome resolve nor his supreme cunning—which had enabled him to vanquish his rivals and spiritually crush his inner circle—was in evidence in 1941.—
Stephen Kotkin,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Sep. 2017
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the marathon markup had all the trappings of the previous endurance contest, featuring waves of emergency takeout, loads of caffeine and plenty of grumpy lawmakers who sought unique ways to make it through the gauntlet with their wits intact.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
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This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
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On fashion’s most theatrical night, Khan’s look achieved its impact through its (relative) subtlety.—
Manglien Gangte,
Vogue,
6 May 2025
-
The people who insist on making sense speak in small, prim voices, trusting their listeners to understand subtleties of tone.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
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
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But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.—
Gordon Monson,
The Salt Lake Tribune,
8 Jan. 2023
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Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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