canny
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for canny, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cagey
cagy
Antonyms
How to use canny
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
canny investor
canny move
canny operator
Etymology
From Northern English dialect, built on "can" in the old sense "to know how to," related to Old English cunnan.
Full origin of canny →Frequently asked questions
What does “canny” mean?
The word “canny” means shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters. In plain terms, cleverly practical and shrewd — good at spotting the smart move.
How do you pronounce “canny”?
“Canny” is pronounced KA-nee (/ˈkæni/ in IPA).
How do you use “canny” in a sentence?
Here is “canny” used in a sentence: “She's a canny negotiator who always gets a good price.”
What part of speech is “canny”?
“Canny” is an adjective.
Where does the word “canny” come from?
The word “canny” comes from Old English. From Northern English dialect, built on "can" in the old sense "to know how to," related to Old English cunnan.
How many meanings does “canny” have?
“Canny” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters.
