canniest
Cleverest and wiliest
Canniest is the superlative form of canny—meaning the most shrewd, cautious, or astute.
Someone described as the canniest operator in a field exercises the sharpest judgment about what will work to their advantage: Even the canniest investors got burned in the crash.
The word carries a Scottish flavor and suggests practical wisdom rather than book learning.
Skilled at deception
scheming · guileful · devious · tricky · slippery · conniving · calculating · underhanded
Mentally sharp, discerning
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- perceptiveQuick to understand
- discerningHaving keen judgment
- sagaciousHaving acute mental discernment
keen · judicious · prudent · perspicacious · savvy · sharp-witted · calculating · strategic
wily
Skilled at deception
artful · scheming · guileful · devious · tricky · slippery · conniving · calculating · underhanded · subtle
astute
Mentally sharp, discerning
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- perceptiveQuick to understand
- discerningHaving keen judgment
sagacious · keen · judicious · prudent · perspicacious · savvy · sharp-witted · calculating · strategic · cagey
adept
Highly capable, well-versed
- deftSkillful and quick
- adroitMentally or physically nimble
- proficientHaving practiced ability
nimble · masterful · expert · capable · competent · dexterous · resourceful · versatile · practiced · accomplished