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
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Recent Examples of canniness
David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Animation Station Vampire Hunter D This stone-cold, ’80s goth anime classic is rarely available to stream legally, and the dual Hidive-Shudder collaborative release is a canny way to present it.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 June 2025
Herberger was both a good tactician and a canny man-manager.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Adjective
Thatcher gets to explore a few different directions for Iris over the course of Companion, including numbing dullness, canny super-expertise, and steely aggression on par with the Terminator.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Animation Station Vampire Hunter D This stone-cold, ’80s goth anime classic is rarely available to stream legally, and the dual Hidive-Shudder collaborative release is a canny way to present it.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 June 2025
Herberger was both a good tactician and a canny man-manager.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canniness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
Noun
-
The official said that Israel had shared the intelligence with President Donald Trump but was preparing to strike with or without a green light or participation from the United States and that American support was not a condition for Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.—
Andrea Mitchell,
NBC news,
11 July 2025
-
Suter thrived as a middle-six center in Vancouver, but also has high enough offensive intelligence to complement star players as a top-six winger.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The chief specimen here (played by MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry) is a massive beast whose brute strength is matched by his cunning.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
Instead of chasing trends, smart companies stay committed to long-term brand building and reputation management.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Dress comfortably: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
-
Cushioning through the collar and insole means every step is comfortable.—
Hillary Maglin,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The same substantive deficits afflict Louise-Parker, too, whose bright eyes and brusque wit are wasted in a role that’s villainous potential exists only in exposition.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 July 2025
-
Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
As many of our astute commenters guessed, between the peeing on himself and the trouble getting it up, Harry Goldenblatt has prostate cancer.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
An astute and compassionate portrait of sisterhood, flaws and all, the dynamics between the characters are sublime.—
Fran Littlewood
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
This loose-fitting garment, made from 100 percent cotton, not only allows air to pass through the material, but also in and out of the relaxed neck, armholes, and hem.—
Danielle Calma,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
Their light and fresh tones evoke thoughts of sunny days and relaxed, vacation-ready style.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Trump, by contrast, doesn’t seem to have any interest in precedence or subtlety.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
But devastation is only the culmination, and not the entirety, of Ruth’s journey, and Chalfant’s performance, for all its exquisite subtlety, is also furiously alive.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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