What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrewdest
Example
The shrewdest investors know when to buy and sell stocks. [shrewdest: superlative adjective]
Example
She made the shrewdest decision by investing in the company before it went public. [shrewdest: comparative adjective]
canny
Example
He is a canny businessman who always knows how to make a profit. [canny: adjective]
Example
She showed her canny side by negotiating a better deal for the company. [canny: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Canny is more commonly used than shrewdest in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrewdest and canny?
Both shrewdest and canny are relatively formal words that are typically used in professional or business contexts.