canny

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Larijani is a true insider, a canny operator, familiar with how the system operates," Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Group's project director for Iran, said before the Middle East war began.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

He has also homed in on a canny, powerful message that could prove to have wider appeal than O’Rourke’s.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

“Wuthering Heights” is a satisfying listen as well as a canny solution to the problem of how to follow up a breakthrough record.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

However, he's been around the block and is a canny operator.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

“I would suggest Proverbs, 24th Chapter, 21st verse,” said the old minister, with a canny gleam in his eye which Kit understood as John began to read.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare