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
Relevance
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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An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told ABC News that Gabbard has been working closely with Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other national security officials to share regular intelligence updates.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
17 June 2025 -
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched an initial offensive on Friday, targeting Iran's military and intelligence leadership, along with critical nuclear sites.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
Noun
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On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
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But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
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With his signature blend of lo-fi aesthetics and sharp, high-concept wit, Reece delivers another visionary exploration of Oklahoma and a darkly comic meditation on the fractured American soul.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 June 2025
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Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one) Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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There is no room for subtlety in a successful vertical.—
Joshua Hunt,
Vulture,
5 June 2025
Noun
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The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
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 20 Jun. 2025.
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