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
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended the military strikes, saying at a Senate hearing in June that the Defense Department determined the strikes' legality and based its decisions on intelligence information.
    — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • So that expedited growth also reflects Simmons’ drive and intelligence — among other traits that animate the athleticism of his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and powerful left throwing arm.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • 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
  • The Odysseus of legend is known for his cunning and his eloquence.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • But blessed with unusual wit and sensitivity, as well as a delightful young cast, the Amazon drama nevertheless stands out as something special.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Olson was known for her wit, honesty and way of making people feel welcome and important, the obituary added.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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 subtlety and strength on show in those few seconds should not be taken for granted.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This subtlety may have legal relevance for grantees planning to sue the administration, said Lauren Adams, a spokesperson for AcademyHealth.
    — Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 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
  • Barack Obama’s summer book list came out this week, revealing fresh insights about which authors the 44th president turns to again and again for his warm-weather reading.
    — Ela Jalil, Washington Post, 31 July 2026
  • If not, how each performs could give an insight into what the manager is looking for from them and whether those demands differ according to their respective skill sets.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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