Canny
What it means
Showing practical wisdom and alert judgment about likely outcomes.
Reach for it when praising shrewd choices without implying trickery
The canny organizer booked a smaller hall with movable walls.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
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playful
Fits when current practical know-how suits an informal voice
Careful Savvy is casual and usually needs a field, such as media or finance.
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everyday
streetwise
Fits when experience of real-world risks is the source of judgment
Careful Streetwise carries an urban, defensive flavor that many canny decisions lack.
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professional
Fits when fine distinctions guide a good choice
Careful Discernment often concerns taste or quality rather than tactical judgment.
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professional
Fits when sharp judgment produces an advantage
Careful Shrewd can suggest calculating self-interest where the choice benefits everyone.
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formal
Fits when perceptive judgment identifies what others miss
Careful Astute sounds analytical and may underplay practical thrift.
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formal
Fits when foresight supports a cautious decision
Careful Prudent emphasizes avoiding risk, while a canny move can be bold.
Opposites 4
- naive
- gullible
- imprudent
- foolish
Common phrases 4
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canny buyer
The canny buyer checked the repair history before discussing price.
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canny decision
Keeping both suppliers available proved a canny decision.
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canny use
A canny use of folding screens created three quiet work areas.
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canny move
Keeping the original supplier as backup was a canny move.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated