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
1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a canny card player, good at psyching out his opponents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comfortable
chiefly Scottish
enjoying physical comfort
warm and canny under the woolen bedcovers, we didn't mind the chilly Scottish nights
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of canniness
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
But then, after the heist, Reichardt finds canny ways to insert a sense of the wider world, one Mooney ignores at his peril and, eventually, catches up to him.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Using children as protagonists was a particularly canny way to analyze social issues from the perspective of an innocent.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Whether through canny critique or open wist, shows about making out-of-fashion things can offer us space to predict, resist, and elegize our way through a dark and muddy cultural moment.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Adjective
The canny Pahani and his team were, however, prepared.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
But then, after the heist, Reichardt finds canny ways to insert a sense of the wider world, one Mooney ignores at his peril and, eventually, catches up to him.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Using children as protagonists was a particularly canny way to analyze social issues from the perspective of an innocent.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Whether through canny critique or open wist, shows about making out-of-fashion things can offer us space to predict, resist, and elegize our way through a dark and muddy cultural moment.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
Noun
-
His intelligence and compassion helped enormously and launched our lifelong friendship.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Young stars like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Scamacca bring energy and creativity to a squad that still values tactical intelligence and grit.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Because Maradona, in a burst of cunning and trickery, also used his hand.—
Esteban Campanela,
CNN Money,
25 Nov. 2025
-
Landing a good apartment in New York City can take some cunning.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Food systems now account for about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but scientists say regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming can help flip that into a future where farms also help grow climate solutions.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Gerard Damiano was a smart guy, a hairdresser from the Bronx who directed Deep Throat and the follow-up, Devil in Miss Jones, which were killing it at the box office, high up on Variety’s Top 50 list of the highestgrossing films.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The comfortable four-way stretch fabric makes these feel like your favorite pair of yoga pants, while looking elegant and dressed to the nines.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Baggy Jean Looking for jeans that feel comfortable and look put-together?—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Much of the film’s drama then ensues inside Teddy and Don’s basement like a pseudo chamber piece as captor and captive face off in a battle of wits, logic and strange faith that blurs the lines between divisive politics, conspiracy and cosmic truth.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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During an October 2022 visit to The Drew Barrymore Show, Clooney reflected on the opportunity and his love for the cast’s wit.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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
Adjective
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But astute viewers will see some other familiar, and perhaps surprising, rock ‘n’ roll faces in the production.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
25 Oct. 2025
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Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This picturesque lakeside destination is increasingly attracting affluent foreign buyers, drawn by the stunning natural beauty and newly relaxed Golden Visa program.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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The city’s relaxed building regulations and abundance of oceanfront lots have fueled a boom in construction, and that vertical growth has led João Pessoa to host some of Brazil’s most impressive rooftop bars and pools.—
Aaron Randolph,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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