ASTUTE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'astute' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of astute are perspicacious , sagacious , and shrewd . While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill. // an astute player of party politics

Q: When could 'perspicacious' be used to replace 'astute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to astute , perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden. // a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

Q: When might 'sagacious' be a better fit than 'astute'?

In some situations, the words sagacious and astute are roughly equivalent. However, sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness. // sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

Q: When would 'shrewd' be a good substitute for 'astute'?

Although the words shrewd and astute have much in common, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment. // a shrewd judge of character

astute

adjective

ə-ˈstüt

Definition of astute next

as in smart

having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment a police detective known to be an astute judge of character

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective astute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of astute are perspicacious, sagacious, and shrewd. While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill.

an astute player of party politics

When could perspicacious be used to replace astute?

While in some cases nearly identical to astute, perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden.

a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

When might sagacious be a better fit than astute?

In some situations, the words sagacious and astute are roughly equivalent. However, sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness.

sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

When would shrewd be a good substitute for astute?

Although the words shrewd and astute have much in common, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment.

a shrewd judge of character

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of astute An astute writer, Aristidou avoids including a screaming match typical of stories like this. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026 Now, astute tennis fans will want to look up. —

Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Diversity helps parties prevent wipeouts in difficult cycles, like this one is for Republicans, and maximizes gains in good years, as astute Democrats are hoping to do this year. —

Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 27 Jan. 2026 Masli, who is assisted in real time by a live sound designer and other astute, attuned technical designers, sets out to achieve a lot. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute

Adjective

And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The long-standing challenge of smart fibers For years, researchers have tried to make smart fibers—materials that change shape when exposed to electricity, light, heat, or changes in acidity.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026