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
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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
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, through a combination of canny collaborations (Charli XCX, Arca), hip creative direction, and bulletproof singles, her forthcoming debut album (still untitled and speculative) has all the potential to cement Rae’s status among the pop prestige.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, through a combination of canny collaborations (Charli XCX, Arca), hip creative direction, and bulletproof singles, her forthcoming debut album (still untitled and speculative) has all the potential to cement Rae’s status among the pop prestige.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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An increasing number of smart, eco-conscious entrepreneurs are putting Earth first by utilizing unwanted materials that would otherwise end up as trash.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside Online,
22 Apr. 2025
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Even smart bulbs and other kinds of smart lighting often require less power than traditional lights.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.—
Nina Derwin,
Glamour,
17 Apr. 2025
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Her spaniel, named Jasper, appeared to have snuck into the car and got comfortable on the backseat without her knowing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Only the most astute short-term traders can do well in wild markets; ordinary investors need to keep calm and ignore all the headlines and price gyrations.—
Sal Gilbertie,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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At the same time, Scott’s act of mass ventriloquism—patient, playful, physically astute and ultimately brave—clarifies something at the heart of Chekhov’s play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Everyday Ladylike Light-wash barrel jeans from Mother Denim add a relaxed edge to a ladylike sweater set and kitten heels, making the whole look feel cool, not fussy.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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The war isn’t over, but at this writing, mandates have tightened (not relaxed) across major companies like Amazon, AT&T and Boeing.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The shrewd 2025 gnome hunter hit the Augusta grounds long before The Masters’ opening round on Thursday.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
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The moment was also a memorable part of TCU’s dramatic reversal in fortunes, catalyzed by donor investment, a shrewd hiring decision and an all-in approach to the transfer portal.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the truly savvy teens aren't punching time clocks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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Trump has long built his brand on being a master dealmaker and a savvy businessman.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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