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

Relevance

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 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 First-time Nolan players factored into canny casting decisions like Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Leguizamo as Eumaeus, and Charlize Theron as Calypso. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 July 2026 Collins is a canny politician who won her last campaign by nine points. — Philip Elliott, Time, 23 July 2026 And sometimes American Gangster does sound more like a canny career move than an artistic statement, with Jay leaning on cocaine puns like Clipse or Jeezy instead of sharing secrets of his hustling days. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 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
  • That trio combined to force Carl Rushworth into two smart saves in the first half, either side of Haaland’s goal.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The water-resistant exterior is suited for stadiums, gyms, and concerts and the smart design folds flat with a built-in carrying strap for easy transportation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • This year’s Labor Day travel deals stretch well beyond the basics, with savings on airfare, hotels, cruises, train journeys, luggage, outdoor gear, and accessories that make getting from here to there more comfortable.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the wake of Antonio Silva’s move to the Premier League, Benfica should suit Circati, who is also comfortable moving the ball forward through adventurous carries and long passes from defence.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of comfortable
Adjective
  • This tension is often subtext enough, and it’s accentuated by cinematographer Adric Watson’s tight and dirty frames, which confine Maya and Arti through astute visual composition, as the reality of their cushy lives is gradually illuminated.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Schlager is an astute arrival as a free agent, following the end of his RB Leipzig contract, in a move that reunites him with a manager who knows him well.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • Discover the Region of Valencia, where every experience invites you to embrace the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean life.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The relaxed but sophisticated style is eye-catching and sleek, but not too stuffy.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • Ndiaye in particular has excited fans and could be a shrewd addition.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With just over a month remaining before the start of training camp, Perry has reportedly made another shrewd salary cap move to avoid the NBA luxury tax.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • And now, after some savvy offseason deals, the team should have more goal support on the other end of his ice.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Young and middle-aged inheritors are more digitally savvy and activism-oriented than older generations.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of savvy

Browse Nearby Words

cannons
canny
canoe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stigma

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All