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
-
The patent signals Amazon's solution to this long-standing challenge—combining Alexa's voice interface with the deep product intelligence that Rufus has demonstrated since its launch earlier this year.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025 -
The United States subsequently paused intelligence sharing and providing security assistance to Ukraine.—
Keir Simmons,
NBC News,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Saweetie proves her comedic chops as well, while Skinner brings his signature self-aware wit.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Flaws like these could be glossed over with enough wit.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The script sounds like it was written with underlines for emphasis and no subtlety.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
-
In an era of rampant method dressing, Moore and her longtime stylist Brad Goreski ran a masterclass in subtlety.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share