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.

He’s understood in Ireland as a canny political operator who led his boring center-right party, Fianna Fáil, back to power after a decade in the wilderness.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

"Larijani is a true insider, a canny operator, familiar with how the system operates and familiar with the supreme leader's inclinations."

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Curran is often credited with having a canny mix of slower balls but he has largely kept his pace above 80mph in those crucial final stages.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

“Although many London areas sit at the bottom of the rankings, prospects in London are much improved on those over recent years and there are some opportunities for canny buyers seeking value for money.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 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