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
Fahy’s expert balancing of sweet and canny, world-weary and naïve in the role earned her an Emmy nomination in Supporting Actress and a massive following.
—
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025
One famous example of a canny international tax strategy was Apple’s domicile in Ireland, along with so many other multinationals keeping their international profits offshore in affiliates in order to avoid paying U.S. tax, which at the time applied to all worldwide income upon repatriation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
At first, the book’s canny political observations come up against Evie’s naïveté.
—Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Offshore asset practices of the uber-rich The uber-rich aren't like the rest of us in so many ways, including their canny exploitation of highly secretive offshore financial systems to conceal their assets and/or identities.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025
One famous example of a canny international tax strategy was Apple’s domicile in Ireland, along with so many other multinationals keeping their international profits offshore in affiliates in order to avoid paying U.S. tax, which at the time applied to all worldwide income upon repatriation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
At first, the book’s canny political observations come up against Evie’s naïveté.
—Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Offshore asset practices of the uber-rich The uber-rich aren't like the rest of us in so many ways, including their canny exploitation of highly secretive offshore financial systems to conceal their assets and/or identities.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
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Those rats were smarter, and their brains were larger and more complex than the brains of the rats in the isolated condition.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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It’s made of mold- and mildew-resistant acacia wood and comes with plush, colorful cushions that are comfortable and supportive.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Available in 10 wear-with-anything shades, including black, army green, and brown, the shacket has earned praise from shoppers who call out its high-quality construction and trendy yet comfortable design in their reviews.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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The odd, sometimes astute connections and ideas her seemingly new brain forms are not entirely unpleasant.—
Bekah Waalkes,
The Atlantic,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Dressed up with sleek pencil skirts or down with relaxed jeans, the versatile layer has been spotted on A-listers like Kate Middleton, Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keri Russell, and more.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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The relaxed, oversized fit makes for a cozy feel.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Costco, though, was a shrewd recombination of what had come before rather than a straight copy.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
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The shrewd operator who is also wildly reactive merges both aspects of his character with his off-script moment heard ‘round the world.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Pet holiday deals 2025 Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
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The warehouse store, known for its price savvy staples, is also excellent at rolling out new and returning seasonal favorites to delight their warehouse club members.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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