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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of canny
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 canny
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 canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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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
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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
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In 2024, the actress, 53, underwent her first knee surgery, and so her search for comfortable shoes began.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
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Because perspiration slows you down long before precipitation, outdoor gear needs to efficiently help the body stay warm, fresh and comfortable while eliminating moisture build-up.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 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
Adjective
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Baltimore's front office is far too shrewd to even consider this.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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This minimal crowding also meant that, despite my seemingly shrewd strategy, my husband and I landed two permits to ascend one of the park system’s scariest climbs.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
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Most country-savvy commentators who’ve looked at the slate of nominees for the CMAs have remarked on the cred factor uniting the top nomineet.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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