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
This debut novel is a canny psychological profile dressed up as a whodunit, which is super fun.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Thatcher gets to explore a few different directions for Iris over the course of Companion, including numbing dullness, canny super-expertise, and steely aggression on par with the Terminator.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
The designers showed a canny understanding of how guests use hotel rooms now.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Thatcher gets to explore a few different directions for Iris over the course of Companion, including numbing dullness, canny super-expertise, and steely aggression on par with the Terminator.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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Privacy and security concerns with smart thermostats These programs also raise important data privacy concerns.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The English bridle leather handles felt secure and comfortable, even when the bag was full.—
Talia Ergas,
Travel + Leisure,
22 July 2025
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Understanding what stands in the way of event attendance is key to addressing those issues to a level that attendees can feel comfortable and confident in attending your event.—
Shawn Pierce,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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And while the Lynx are also offensively astute, their production on that end jumps to new heights when the opportunities are derived from defensive success.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
15 July 2025
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The expectation is that the AGI and ASI would be computationally astute enough to decide when the AI maker is offering proper instructions versus improper ones.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Another 2024 Michelin winner is Rocca, where chef and owner Bryce Bonsack serves Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere inspired by his pilgrimage to Italy.—
Mariette Williams,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
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The following Canadian towns offer a more local experience than their big city neighbors, are more affordable, and allow travelers to get to know the destination at a slower and more relaxed pace.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Though plot details for Wake Up Dead Man remain tightly under wraps, audiences can expect the return of the shrewd detective parsing through yet another murderous mystery.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
12 July 2025
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But even with that in mind, this was a shrewd bet for the Rangers to make for a couple of reasons.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
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Similarly, the winning formula behind Mamdani’s campaign – savvy use of social media – is not particularly hard for other progressive candidates to replicate.—
Douglas Schoen,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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