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
-
This includes the claim, boosted by Musk, that USAID was funding the development of bioweapons such as Covid-19, a conspiracy theory that all US intelligence agencies have concluded is false.—
David Gilbert,
WIRED,
5 Feb. 2025 -
The Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance the nomination of former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, to the full Senate, on Tuesday.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Gilded by privilege and cunning, Glinda is a popular young woman who desires to wield magic.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
-
There’s an unapologetic cunning at the heart of this series, and a mercurial spirit that’s as slippery as blood on an Italian marble floor.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2024
Noun
-
Despite the initial wave of dissension, Hyun-ju has championed herself as a fan favorite on social media due to her cunning, bravery, wit and relatability.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2025
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Intellectual playfulness, which involves using humor and wit to navigate tough situations, was also linked to lower anxiety in relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The air Fryer arrived on American shores with all the subtlety of a sack of fried potatoes.—
Matthew Korfhage,
WIRED,
6 Feb. 2025
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She was known for her subtlety, crafting clothing that blended seamlessly into each film’s era.—
Ash Wu,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 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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Thesaurus Entries Near canniness
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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