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 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 Still, the novel properly belongs to Jordan, a creation as canny and protean as the story itself. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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
  • Here are the best, smartest and most revolutionary titles the genre created.
    — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Apple Turnovers Grandma always appreciated a smart shortcut, and these apple turnovers have that—frozen puff pastry makes the crust on these turnovers quick and easy.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • Separate research from Prudential Financial recently found that more than six in 10 retirees with at least $500,000 in investable assets do not feel comfortable spending money for enjoyment.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • This oil keeps dry lips comfortable and looking juicy, thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid and smoothing tripeptides, while minty menthol and peppermint oil plump without the painful sting.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 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
  • Lucky’s denim heritage and lived-in Americana aesthetic and Madhappy’s optimistic ideology and relaxed silhouettes.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The likes of Bottega Veneta, The Row, and Prada have modernised the pencil skirt for 2026, moving away from rigid, tight fits and presenting a more relaxed silhouette that is in keeping with the recent soft power styling mood.
    — Emma Spedding, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • Atlanta general manager Dan Padover built the Dream into a title contender through shrewd trades, a little bit of luck and patience from the team's ownership group.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • While Ultra is riding a wave, its early success has come in part from its shrewd as-a-service business model.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • But this October has shown there are savvy contenders in small markets, too.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But as Huettl had the social media savvy to keep posting her hairstyles for the internet to see, what started out as a small bonding moment soon became a viral sensation.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 15 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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