canny

1 of 2

adjective

can·​ny ˈka-nē How to pronounce canny (audio)
cannier; canniest
Synonyms of canny
1
: clever, shrewd
a canny lawyer
also : prudent
canny investments
2
chiefly Scotland
a
: careful, steady
also : restrained
b
: quiet, snug
A canny pub, serving decent food at a decent price …—Brian Severs
cannily
ˈka-nə-lē How to pronounce canny (audio)
adverb
canniness
ˈka-nē-nəs How to pronounce canny (audio)
noun

canny

2 of 2

adverb

Scotland
: in a canny manner : carefully

Synonyms of canny

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Adjective

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Examples of canny in a Sentence

Adjective a canny card player, good at psyching out his opponents warm and canny under the woolen bedcovers, we didn't mind the chilly Scottish nights
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Deploying a top-notch slutty house-meets-electro record is one of the canniest moves he’s ever made. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026 Byron’s a canny, bold, and incisive critic. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 Though four-fault rides were the norm in round one, upon returning to the ring to jump the same course, many of those riders adapted to the variable terrain and delivered canny clears. — Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Similar storm-clouds are now gathering around Sánchez, a canny politician known for outwitting his opponents. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for canny

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

originally Scots & regional northern English, going back to early Scots, "free from risk, sagacious, prudent, cautious," probably from can "ability" (noun derivative of can can entry 1) + -y -y entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canny was in 1596

Rhymes for canny

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Browse Nearby Words

cannulation
canny
canny moment
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Cite this Entry

“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canny. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canny

adjective
can·​ny
ˈkan-ē
cannier; canniest
: watchful of one's own interest
cannily
ˈkan-ᵊl-ē
adverb
canniness
ˈkan-ē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on canny

Nglish: Translation of canny for Spanish Speakers

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