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.

It will take more than stolen KitKats and canny marketing to turn the company around.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

This 1768 painting of the silversmith and American revolutionary is both a tribute to the dignity of craftsmen and a work of canny political symbolism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Credit must go to Dean, who conceded only two from the 13th over with her canny off-spin.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

But that art, Serrano says, was created by Monroe, with equal parts natural magnetism and a canny, rigorous sense of her own strengths.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

“Ophelia, such a course would be vain and dangerous. Claudius is more canny that you know. For proof, I have important news from Hamlet.”

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

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