canny

adjective

ˈka-nē How to pronounce canny (audio)
Definition of cannynext
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

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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 canny An astoundingly prolific painter, Max was also a canny businessman. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Sep. 2026 Chelsea turning a profit on Liam Delap showed just how canny an investment young English forwards are right now. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Already an industry veteran at the tender age of 13, Jackson made this first official solo foray — a canny move by Motown head Berry Gordy to further capitalize on the Jackson 5’s immense popularity. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026 People queue up for scoops of their favorite flavors, but canny sweet teeth should keep an eye on the restaurant’s social media to see what new creations are in the case. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
  1. smart
  2. comfortable
  3. astute
  4. relaxed
  5. shrewd
  6. savvy
Adjective
  • Fortunately, plenty of new high-tech tools offer assistance, including robot guide dogs, a cane-bot (looking a bit like a small R2D2 with giant wheels), multiple types of smart glasses with descriptive audio, and even a haptic vest for blind dogs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Ten games give him a chance to show better execution, smarter game management, and enough wins to justify another season.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • Families would do well to check into either the Suisho suite—spacious and comfortable in accommodating rollaway beds or cots, with private dining available on the balcony—or Kinu, with its tatami mat floor sleeping area with family-friendly futons.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Stock your medicine cabinet with a few essentials to help tackle common symptoms and keep you comfortable when illness strikes.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of comfortable
Adjective
  • His astute stand-up and withering, spot-on insights into race, relationships and celebrity have influenced countless comedians and writers.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Her astute explanations, along with conversations with former immigration judges and other experts, helped turn a convoluted topic into a clear story.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • More importantly for us, Badrutt’s combines old-world polish with a genuinely relaxed attitude to families.
    — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But the fall and winter hair trends—with the help of Ortega—show a shift happening in the opposite direction, embracing a much more relaxed and carefree aesthetic.
    — María Diez, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • The Eagles are in disarray and will be one of the fascinating teams to watch over the next week because GM Howie Roseman is a shrewd operator.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Of all the Explora properties, this one has the finest food and shrewdest guides.
    — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • Her language catapults from savvy banter to wild-eyed expressionist poetry, dripping purple across the stage.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike other savvy foul-baiters in the league, Powell prefers to tempt defenders to reach in rather than catch them on a pump fake or in the air.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of savvy

Browse Nearby Words

cannons
canny
canoe
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Cite this Entry

“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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