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 is precisely why strategies that integrate the capabilities of artificial and human intelligence could help brands truly enhance and refine their creativity.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025 -
Suter thrived as a middle-six center in Vancouver, but also has high enough offensive intelligence to complement star players as a top-six winger.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The chief specimen here (played by MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry) is a massive beast whose brute strength is matched by his cunning.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
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On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
Noun
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The same substantive deficits afflict Louise-Parker, too, whose bright eyes and brusque wit are wasted in a role that’s villainous potential exists only in exposition.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 July 2025
-
Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Trump, by contrast, doesn’t seem to have any interest in precedence or subtlety.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
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But devastation is only the culmination, and not the entirety, of Ruth’s journey, and Chalfant’s performance, for all its exquisite subtlety, is also furiously alive.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | [email protected],
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 19 Jul. 2025.
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