cant 1 of 4

noun (1)

Definition of cantnext
as in inclination
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon a steep cant of the riverbank at that turn in the river

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cant

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
as in deception
the pretending of having virtues, principles, or beliefs that one in fact does not have many accused the evangelist of cant, since his lavish lifestyle seemed to bear little resemblance to what he was preaching

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2
as in terminology
the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field the colorful cant used by movie producers and publicity agents in Hollywood

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cant

3 of 4

adjective

as in leaning
running in a slanting direction the cant buttresses on the interior walls are made of solid oak

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cant

4 of 4

verb

as in to tilt
to set or cause to be at an angle carefully canted the ladder against the wall

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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 cant
Verb
Instead, think of a vector positioned in the x-y plane and canted at 45 degrees to the x-axis. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 The cockpit is canted towards the driver and the warm glow of the ambient lights bathe the cabin in red. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cant
  1. tilt
  2. oblique
  3. slope
  4. lean
  5. angle
Verb
  • The big picture: Sports participation has become a major flashpoint in the Trump administration's restrictions on the transgender community — one on which some Democrats, like California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), appear to be tilting right.
    — Avery Lotz, Axios, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In the 48 hours leading up to the trade deadline, Canucks management had a strong indication that the Boeser market would be soft even as the market prices for lesser pieces was tilted heavily in sellers’ favours.
    — Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of tilt
Adjective
  • As spring training was beginning, Walker suffered a low-grade oblique injury.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article PEORIA, Ariz. — Matt Waldron didn’t even want to think about what a severe oblique injury would mean.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of oblique
Verb
  • The typing angle of this new keyboard is gently sloped but there are no flip-out feet to adjust the angle.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Fine white sand, coconut palm trees overhead, a gently sloping beach and unobstructed views out to sea.
    — Sarah Stodola, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of slope
Verb
  • So leaders, lean into building an incredible work culture!
    — Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Mullan, who leans roughly the same way, thinks one of Shankly’s greatest talents was knowing when to go big.
    — Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of lean
Verb
  • These brooms usually are lightweight and have angled heads to get into cracks and crevices.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • His parents have been angling for a pardon from President Trump.
    — Lucinda Shen, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of angle

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Cite this Entry

“Cant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cant. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cant

Nglish: Translation of cant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cant

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