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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Brian Walsh, senior director of intelligence; Thomas Boodry, senior director of legislative affairs; and David Feith, senior director of technology and national security were also fired amid the fallout.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
5 Apr. 2025 -
The Rise of Open-Source AI in Healthcare: On-Premise Solutions Are Shaping the Future Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, transforming clinical workflows, and addressing critical challenges like workforce shortages, diagnostic accuracy, and chronic disease management.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2024
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Comments Million Dollar Secret finalists take on laser beams, sewing needles, and a battle of wits.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Emmy-award-winning series somehow managed to merge sharp wit with wholehearted sincerity, reminding us that, in the end, family is what makes life truly special, no matter how chaotic or comical things can be.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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By popular belief, never proved legally, Lansky taught the Mafia’s crude leadership of the 1920s and 1930s, showing them the subtleties of financial manipulation, concealment and investment of the proceeds of bootlegging and gambling.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
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This extra vibrancy joins with a clear improvement in the subtlety with which the Bravia 5s deliver small color tone shifts and blends to instantly makes pictures look more engaging, three dimensional and enjoyable.—
John Archer,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2025.
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