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

She beamed when the first wicket came - New Zealand batter Georgia Plimmer done in the air by some canny flight and picking out mid-off.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Once considered a canny innovator, and then, with his purchase of the flailing Washington Post, a white knight, he has since become the embodiment of capitalism run amok.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Griffin even made for himself an industry town called Frostproof—a canny, if defiant, advertising play, named years prior, after the town had survived the mythic 1895 freeze without much issue.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Now he was blocked and it made him restless, possibly less canny.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

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