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Definition of cannily

cannily

/ˈkæn.ə.li/
can · ni · ly
Adjective:canny
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cannily Lexical Profile

cannily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a shrewd, astute, or worldly-wise manner, especially in financial or practical matters.

Example

"She cannily invested her savings in diverse index funds before the market began to recover."

2

Scottish In a careful, cautious, gentle, or thrifty manner.

Example

"The elderly shepherd walked cannily along the icy ridge to avoid slipping."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cannily

• Nearby Words

cannibalistic
cannibalization
cannibalize
cannily
canniness
canning
cannoli

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the Scottish and Northern English adjective "canny" (derived from "can" in the sense of knowing how to do something) combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cannily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cannily
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