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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of canniness
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025
But that film was a cannier bid for next-level success, offsetting its three-act corniness with emotional stakes that led to a crescendo of its genius headliner’s performance prowess.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
And yet, pursuing these themes, the Pope revealed himself, throughout the twelve years of his papacy, to be a canny maker and promoter of imagery.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
The lower section featured a fanning hem in stiff and immaculately white fabric, resulting in a canny visual pun that translated the visual register of suiting onto a classic ballgown (and required a fleet of attendants to carry it onto the carpet unscathed).
—Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Adjective
While a few acknowledged this as a canny marketing move, many rolled their eyes.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025
But that film was a cannier bid for next-level success, offsetting its three-act corniness with emotional stakes that led to a crescendo of its genius headliner’s performance prowess.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
And yet, pursuing these themes, the Pope revealed himself, throughout the twelve years of his papacy, to be a canny maker and promoter of imagery.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
The lower section featured a fanning hem in stiff and immaculately white fabric, resulting in a canny visual pun that translated the visual register of suiting onto a classic ballgown (and required a fleet of attendants to carry it onto the carpet unscathed).
—Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
Noun
-
Unethical competitive intelligence is, unfortunately, usually par for the course in the software industry.—
Chris Mele,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist China's intelligence agencies when needed.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
-
But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Moreover, waving the flag of a foreign country isn’t prideful, or politically smart in the least.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
With the longer battery life, lighter design and smart safety features, this jetpack is definitely for anyone looking to make their underwater adventures more exciting.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Final Thoughts There is no one-size-fits-all amount that can guarantee a comfortable retirement.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Score savings on summer clothes and comfortable sneakers that are currently $17 with a flash discount.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
Director Vanessa Stallings’ entertaining and breezy staging brims with razor-sharp wit, physical comedy and pop-out visual surprises.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
The people that farm or garden are very interesting, very resourceful, very astute.—
Greg Allen,
NPR,
1 June 2025
-
Patti LuPone, fresh off the set of And Just Like That…, has caused an internet kerfuffle with her astute (and deliciously eloquent) jabs at costars, former lovers, theatergoers, and even Times Square pedestrians in her recent profile in The New Yorker.—
Raven Smith,
Vogue,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
After an afternoon strolling through Historic Georgetown, come back to the hotel for a quick change and a pre-dinner drink at Eliza’s, the relaxed, open-air waterfront bar at the back of the property.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
-
The garden level features a private patio with an outdoor kitchenette, while sliding glass doors connect a relaxed seating area off the home’s secondary kitchen to a rear garden with a mudroom and bike storage.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one) Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
There is no room for subtlety in a successful vertical.—
Joshua Hunt,
Vulture,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share