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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of canny
Byron’s a canny, bold, and incisive critic.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Yet in the three episodes HBO provided for review—episodes whose technical elements can be stunning and manipulation of genre conventions canny—Levinson does nothing to deepen his antihero’s search for meaning.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2026
But that spontaneity is balanced out with canny studio manipulation by producer Scotty Hard, who juxtaposes grooves and riffs and knits songs together, finding through lines and punctuating disjunctions.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 30 Mar. 2026
The Cubs made some canny moves in the offseason, and just signed budding superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong to a long-term contract extension.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canny
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Yet in the three episodes HBO provided for review—episodes whose technical elements can be stunning and manipulation of genre conventions canny—Levinson does nothing to deepen his antihero’s search for meaning.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2026
But that spontaneity is balanced out with canny studio manipulation by producer Scotty Hard, who juxtaposes grooves and riffs and knits songs together, finding through lines and punctuating disjunctions.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 30 Mar. 2026
The Cubs made some canny moves in the offseason, and just signed budding superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong to a long-term contract extension.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
Adjective
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Many professionals spend years trying to sound smarter, calmer, more agreeable, or more polished while gradually losing trust in their natural instincts and communication style.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
GreenLife brings smart design and colorful style to your everyday cooking with this Compact Stainless Steel Saucepan Set.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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Prime members can access thousands of deals across all major categories, including electronics, camping gear, clothing essentials, comfortable shoes, premium beauty products, and more.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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The latter is comfortable with the ball at his feet and made some superb saves to help Spurs stay up.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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While the criticism is well deserved, to its credit, the report does make a handful of astute observations that Democrats would be wise not to dismiss.—
Douglas Schoen,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
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The Cult Content Boom The three-part series, however, is grounded with an astute cast, headed by former cult member Hoyt Richards, a 1980s and ’90s supermodel, the face of global campaigns for Versace, Valentino, Cartier and Ralph Lauren.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The welcome is relaxed and warm while the flamboyant decor fights to charm you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Here, Marilyn is a superstar-to-be who’s flirtatious and relaxed, greeting a close friend who happens to be behind the camera lens.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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The 56-year-old Iranian American, who grew up in Los Angeles, is the architect of shrewd moves that have brought Paramount within reach of its blockbuster merger that would redefine Hollywood.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Prove his nous in the transfer market Based on Nuno’s first window, Axel Disasi, 28, the loanee from Chelsea and Taty Castellanos, 27, the €29m arrival from Lazio, were shrewd signings.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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If anything, the incident has become part of brand Beckham mythology; an early indication of David and Victoria’s fashion-forwardness and media savvy that has morphed into today’s multimillion-dollar sport, beauty and business empire.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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Behind the adorable outfits is a booming resale ecosystem, driven by Instagram, streetwear-savvy parents and global rag houses, turning a nostalgic hobby into side hustles — and family bonding time.—
Marah Eakin,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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