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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On the field, he’s relied on his intelligence and aggressiveness to seize a spot in the rotation at a position as talented and deep as any on the team.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Aug. 2025 -
Loni Anderson, the beloved actress who brought intelligence and charm to her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on the classic TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, died Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one 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.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
30 July 2025
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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,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Greater intelligence, wit, compassion, principles, and humanity enter our lives through book authors.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
27 July 2025
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For over three decades, Kym Whitley has moved through Hollywood with an unmistakable mix of warmth, wit, and work ethic.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
26 July 2025
Noun
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But that subtlety was lost in the script that George W. Rappleyea wrote for the controversy.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Her playing was poised and expressive throughout, favoring subtlety over drama and marked by graceful nuance.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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