1
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
negotiates business deals with all of the proverbial canniness of an old-time horse trader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
the canniness with which she negotiated her contract as spokesperson for the shoe manufacturer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canniness
Noun
-
Recap Ratcliffe also pledged repeatedly at his nomination hearing to focus more on the rising threat posed by China and to upgrade the agency’s technological capabilities to improve its intelligence collection efforts.—
Josh Meyer,
USA TODAY,
24 Jan. 2025 -
The director of national intelligence in theory sits atop the hierarchy of U.S. intelligence agencies, although no one treats the position that way in reality.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
There’s an unapologetic cunning at the heart of this series, and a mercurial spirit that’s as slippery as blood on an Italian marble floor.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2024
-
Just as Nordlinger shows that the peacemakers and Nobel laureates whose work holds up best are those who brought specific conflicts to an end, the organizations in Bob's account that get the most done are those that pursue limited goals with cunning and patience.—
Walter Russell Mead,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Nov. 2012
Noun
-
Despite the initial wave of dissension, Hyun-ju has championed herself as a fan favorite on social media due to her cunning, bravery, wit and relatability.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Intellectual playfulness, which involves using humor and wit to navigate tough situations, was also linked to lower anxiety in relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
At first glance, the fairytale village of Saanen appears frozen in time, yet its dynamic appeal lies in its subtlety.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2025
-
McLaurin stood up and shrugged his shoulders -- not flashily like Michael Jordan, but with his own subtlety.—
Sam Fortier The Washington Post,
arkansasonline.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
20 Jan. 2023
-
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.—
Gordon Monson,
The Salt Lake Tribune,
8 Jan. 2023
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.
Thesaurus Entries Near canniness
Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share