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
So does Rivers, one of the canniest readers of the field.
—
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
Harrison’s canny business acumen is also reaping rewards.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 15 Dec. 2025
Most of the time, landing a canny distributor with pockets like NatGeo (even though their promo budgets have been cut back) is a plus.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
But the catchphrase in Earthquake’s Joke Telling Business is really canny.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
Harrison’s canny business acumen is also reaping rewards.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 15 Dec. 2025
Most of the time, landing a canny distributor with pockets like NatGeo (even though their promo budgets have been cut back) is a plus.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
But the catchphrase in Earthquake’s Joke Telling Business is really canny.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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The long-standing challenge of smart fibers For years, researchers have tried to make smart fibers—materials that change shape when exposed to electricity, light, heat, or changes in acidity.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The first steps toward a culture course correction are to create an opportunity in which everybody feels comfortable communicating with each other.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Vivaia is known for its comfortable, sustainable footwear, with mesh-style uppers and fun designs and colors.—
Olivia Dubyak,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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All this is strange and disappointing, because Holmes is a gifted biographer, not to mention a fluent translator of science and an astute reader of poetry.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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But the astute self-awareness ends there.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Instead of blindly following your partner into a defensive crouch, lead them back to an open, relaxed posture that builds true connection.—
Matt Abrahams,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
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The crisp side stripes add a chic, athletic edge—wear the full set with retro sneakers, or split it up with the pants styled with a cardigan and the top paired with relaxed denim.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But those picks came in the shrewd trade of quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
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Those numbers are a result of both Buffett’s shrewd calls on stocks that ended up being undervalued, as well as recent policy changes in Japan, including widespread corporate governance reform and new pro-growth government rules and spending that have benefited technology companies.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Maryal Miller Carter,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
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If a resident is not tech-savvy, Miller said, have an adult son or daughter monitor the technology.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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