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
That’s partially thanks to the canny screenplay by frequent Coogan collaborator Jeff Pope (Philomena, Stan & Ollie) and partially, no make that majorly, to the superb performance by Coogan, whose expert deadpan comic timing and delivery make the film laugh-out-loud funny at times.
—
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Not great, but certainly good, spirited and sweet and filled with wonderful songs and some canny updates to extremely dated material.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Michelle Zauner is too canny (and talented) to be pigeon-holed.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
To the limited extent that The Residence adds up to more than a canny combination of Shondaland conventions and the whodunit trend currently dominating film and TV, the reason is Cordelia.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Not great, but certainly good, spirited and sweet and filled with wonderful songs and some canny updates to extremely dated material.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Michelle Zauner is too canny (and talented) to be pigeon-holed.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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The style is a challenge: should their comedy be smart and savvy or broad and easy-going?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
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Generative artificial intelligence will lead to a generation of humans that will use this tool to become 120% smarter than the generation before them—this is the singularity of hope.—
Sam Sammane,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.—
Nina Derwin,
Glamour,
17 Apr. 2025
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Her spaniel, named Jasper, appeared to have snuck into the car and got comfortable on the backseat without her knowing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Only the most astute short-term traders can do well in wild markets; ordinary investors need to keep calm and ignore all the headlines and price gyrations.—
Sal Gilbertie,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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At the same time, Scott’s act of mass ventriloquism—patient, playful, physically astute and ultimately brave—clarifies something at the heart of Chekhov’s play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Everyday Ladylike Light-wash barrel jeans from Mother Denim add a relaxed edge to a ladylike sweater set and kitten heels, making the whole look feel cool, not fussy.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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The war isn’t over, but at this writing, mandates have tightened (not relaxed) across major companies like Amazon, AT&T and Boeing.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The shrewd 2025 gnome hunter hit the Augusta grounds long before The Masters’ opening round on Thursday.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
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The moment was also a memorable part of TCU’s dramatic reversal in fortunes, catalyzed by donor investment, a shrewd hiring decision and an all-in approach to the transfer portal.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Now, onto some savvy spring shopping curated by WWD editors.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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