MEANING
Clever and prudent in practical matters, especially at judging people, risks, or opportunities.
Use it for
Use for shrewd decisions made with limited resources.Convey a character’s quiet, practical intelligence.
Words that belong together
- canny investor
- canny move
- canny assessment
On the page
A canny shopkeeper noticed the counterfeit coin before the buyer reached the door.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- canny
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Usage notes
Canny suggests practical, alert judgment rather than abstract intelligence; the adjective may carry regional flavor.
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