Definitions

canny

[kan-ee] / ˈkæn i /

ADJECTIVE

clever, artful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adroit astute cagey cautious discreet frugal ingenious intelligent judicious prudent shrewd skillful sly subtle wise

WEAK

able acute careful circumspect cunning dexterous foxy having fancy footwork hep knowing nimble-witted perspicacious quick quick-witted sagacious slick slippery smart smooth street smart streetwise wary watchful with it worldly-wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

awkward careless foolish hasty honest idiotic ignorant imbecile imprudent incautious inept open rash reckless stupid thoughtless uncareful unintelligent unskilled unwise

WEAK

silly

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.

But analysts have also pointed to the unique political landscape of Nepal and canny decisions by the youth movement.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 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

There was intrigue over whether heavy-hitting Lopes would change strategy and take a more cautious approach against the canny Volkanovski.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

He or she is a deep thinker, canny like a fox, inspirational, and in many cases the toughest person in the boat.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Vocabulary lists containing canny

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