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
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Recent Examples of canny
Beneath the high emotion, Patty remains a canny operator.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
As a private company, Nav Canada has made other canny moves to maximize profits and bring better service to its customers.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Is meeting Williams’ €60million (£51.2m; $69.1m) release clause a canny move for a thrilling young gem or an unnecessary indulgence?
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025
This debut novel is a canny psychological profile dressed up as a whodunit, which is super fun.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
As a private company, Nav Canada has made other canny moves to maximize profits and bring better service to its customers.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Is meeting Williams’ €60million (£51.2m; $69.1m) release clause a canny move for a thrilling young gem or an unnecessary indulgence?
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025
This debut novel is a canny psychological profile dressed up as a whodunit, which is super fun.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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Welcome to the age of conversational mobility, where natural dialogue with your car is becoming as routine as checking the weather on a smart speaker.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 Aug. 2025
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Use of cellphones, smart watches and accessories is prohibited in the performance space.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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He’s never sounded more confident or comfortable, a thrilling promise of what’s to come from him in the future.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
15 Aug. 2025
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Montgomery said the organization wants the space to feel comfortable for whoever comes into the colorful waiting room.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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An astute judge of talent, Reid also suggested John Bonham fill the drum chair in Led Zeppelin.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
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Andy, in his most astute moment of the episode, points out that Jax does have control.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In fact, natural is the word to sum up Chapman, a host who, like Artie Bucco, could be described as warm and convivial, who rarely fails to ask piercing questions devoid of cliches and has a relaxed but authoritative style.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
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This top is made from buttery soft, lightweight fabric and features a relaxed fit similar to the one Holmes wore.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But Tocqueville’s shrewder observation is that rising legal and economic equality indirectly produces social inequality as the dominant class is forced to confront the prospect of forfeiting its dominance.—
Andrea Long Chu,
Vulture,
5 Aug. 2025
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The Houston Astros might have been the shrewdest deadline buyer.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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However, this task certainly isn’t out of reach for the savvy DIYer, either.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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