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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

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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 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
  • The rooms are compact but comfortable, and each floor features a different art exhibit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • While there is a spooky atmosphere and discomforting imagery throughout, the relationship between the three main characters is central — something Curcio and his co-writer (and wife) Kirby Gladstein were comfortable taking a chance on.
    — William Earl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of comfortable
Adjective
  • Rowland, as politically astute as any recording artist living in the United Kingdom, went on to form new bands, release solo music and drop albums as Dexys.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • The service Staff are relaxed and friendly, and maintain a casual environment without skimping on graciousness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The scalloped trim along the front pockets is an unexpected detail that sets them apart from a standard pair of pants, while the relaxed silhouette is still easy to style with sweaters, tees, and button-downs.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • This takes sharp eyes from above, intricate sideline dialogue and shrewd on-field adaptation.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The bursts of comedy don’t lighten the mood, but instead sharpen the emotion and clarify the intensity, the way a shrewd joke might at a funeral.
    — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • The savvy Toronto audiences enjoy their festival’s reputation as an Oscar kingmaker, too, so the idea of helping launch Club Kid to an unusual but increasingly plausible Oscar run could appeal to the voters.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Some savvy businesses used multiple AI agents to reach out to suppliers and negotiate contracts on behalf of humans.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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