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
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We're not limited to making suggestions in the boardroom; our (ideas) extend deeply into an enterprise's daily operations, encompassing brand building, channel expansion, marketing, insights into consumer trends, digital transformation and the establishment of business intelligence systems.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025 -
Trump said after he was asked about the potential for intelligence cooperation.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Gilded by privilege and cunning, Glinda is a popular young woman who desires to wield magic.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Rosebud Baker is an actor, writer and comedian who somehow manages to blend dark humor and sharp wit, all while wearing the face of an angel.—
Ali Lerman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Pickard, known for his good nature and quick wit, was the most common answer.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The subtlety of Porcelain War, which premiered in the U.S. in November, helps the film avoid that risk.—
Simon Shuster,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
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The theatrical approach was a fresh one for the Super Bowl halftime show — and a choice that saved the set from crumbling under the weight of its own subtlety.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Canniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canniness. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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