canny

adjective

ˈka-nē How to pronounce canny (audio)
Definition of cannynext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canny And sometimes American Gangster does sound more like a canny career move than an artistic statement, with Jay leaning on cocaine puns like Clipse or Jeezy instead of sharing secrets of his hustling days. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 2026 For those of us who weren’t there and who aren’t fans, for whom Taylor Swift is either a fascinating celebrity or just one more canny billionaire with a private jet addiction, this weekend put her on a tricky knife’s edge of opinion. — Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Switzerland are canny though so Colombia cannot afford to look too far ahead. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 July 2026 Pinney’s avid, canny compositions put these varied appurtenances in plain view, foreground and background, making these empty outdoor spaces feel implicitly busy with civic life and labor. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for canny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canny
  1. smart
  2. comfortable
  3. astute
  4. relaxed
  5. shrewd
  6. savvy
Adjective
  • But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But getting there wasn’t just about making smart product decisions.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • This year’s Labor Day travel deals stretch well beyond the basics, with savings on airfare, hotels, cruises, train journeys, luggage, outdoor gear, and accessories that make getting from here to there more comfortable.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the wake of Antonio Silva’s move to the Premier League, Benfica should suit Circati, who is also comfortable moving the ball forward through adventurous carries and long passes from defence.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of comfortable
Adjective
  • The audience is in on the mockery of this dim-witted man, whose astute wife can see right through him.
    — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • Discover the Region of Valencia, where every experience invites you to embrace the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean life.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The relaxed but sophisticated style is eye-catching and sleek, but not too stuffy.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • Ndiaye in particular has excited fans and could be a shrewd addition.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With just over a month remaining before the start of training camp, Perry has reportedly made another shrewd salary cap move to avoid the NBA luxury tax.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • And no one has been savvier about capitalizing on these possibilities than the Kardashian family.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But anyone can supersize their retirement account with some savvy execution, said Anne Tergesen and Theo Francis in The Wall Street Journal.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of savvy

Browse Nearby Words

cannons
canny
canoe
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Cite this Entry

“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canny. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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