1
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
negotiates business deals with all of the proverbial canniness of an old-time horse trader
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
the canniness with which she negotiated her contract as spokesperson for the shoe manufacturer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
Noun
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Trump earlier this year shut off U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing for nearly two weeks in the wake of an explosive Oval Office spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was arguing Putin was a deceptive negotiating partner.—
Laura Kelly,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025 -
Local media report that several individuals formerly employed by senior DPP officials are under investigation in connection with Chinese intelligence efforts.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
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Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Comments Million Dollar Secret finalists take on laser beams, sewing needles, and a battle of wits.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Emmy-award-winning series somehow managed to merge sharp wit with wholehearted sincerity, reminding us that, in the end, family is what makes life truly special, no matter how chaotic or comical things can be.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In discussion with Deadline, Thornton subtlety confirmed that Elliott had joined the cast after answering a question about working with his old pals Moore and Andy Garcia.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
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But what truly fascinated him was the subtlety of its mode of action.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | [email protected],
al,
20 Jan. 2023
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But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.—
Gordon Monson,
The Salt Lake Tribune,
8 Jan. 2023
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Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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