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
-
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
-
Max Homa, the six-time PGA Tour winner known for his razor-sharp wit and clutch performances on the course, has been going through a tough time lately.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Black Bag succeeds on its chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Along with the basics, Snow is guiding Eldridge on the subtleties of the position: bunts, relays, cutoffs, positioning.—
Justice delos Santos,
The Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2025
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The coach’s delivery came with all the subtlety of a jackhammer.—
Nick Kosmider,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | [email protected],
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 13 Mar. 2025.
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