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
Another star turn goes to Mary Ellen Pleasant, who was arguably America’s first Black millionaire and inarguably one of the most canny and chameleonlike figures this country has ever produced. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 These canny revolutionaries recognized that see-and-be-seen lobbies and buzzy bar-restaurants were just as important as the beds upstairs—though a few lavish suites still gave big spenders room to splurge. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Charles, canny and discerning, is a threat — and maybe a kindred spirit. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026 As her match in many ways, the actor found another way into Charles that reflects that in a canny style. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 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 1 Nov. 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
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