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as in bitter
causing intense discomfort to one's skin she pulled her coat tighter against the shrewd breeze whipping down the alley

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective shrewd differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of shrewd are astute, perspicacious, and sagacious. While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment.

a shrewd judge of character

When is it sensible to use astute instead of shrewd?

While the synonyms astute and shrewd are close in meaning, astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill.

an astute player of party politics

When could perspicacious be used to replace shrewd?

The meanings of perspicacious and shrewd largely overlap; however, 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 shrewd?

While in some cases nearly identical to shrewd, sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness.

sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

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 shrewd The Republicans’ shrewd assault on transgender rights put the Democrats on the defensive and effectively camouflaged the existential menace of Project 2025. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025 Though plot details for Wake Up Dead Man remain tightly under wraps, audiences can expect the return of the shrewd detective parsing through yet another murderous mystery. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025 But even with that in mind, this was a shrewd bet for the Rangers to make for a couple of reasons. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Drummer Daru Jones, who was part of The LOX’s Tiny Desk, perfectly delivered a live remake of the thumping drums heard on the 2002 track, mirroring The Neptunes’ shrewd production from over two decades ago. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrewd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrewd
Adjective
  • If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • If your primary goal is to maximize workspace while ensuring your computer can grow with your needs, a mini-PC paired with a quality monitor is a smarter, longer-lasting solution.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite her success as an art professor and painter, Ruth feels adrift and bitter.
    Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025
  • Instead of feeling defeated or bitter, choose to get better.
    Sandra Balogun, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the big island of Hawai’i were all joined by water but divided by greedy men, cunning chiefs and a cycle of endless combat.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Slated for release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is an adaptation of the epic poem from Homer, which tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond that, Davis aims to beat the averages by astute management of the land.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This is also an astute question about this television program.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Weaver has also dealt with injuries this season and has not been quite as sharp.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But things took a sharp turn when her boyfriend’s mother made a hurtful comment at the dinner table.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The moment in which Guy and Nan reunite at the courthouse and mirror each other on a staircase and over a railing, respectively, is reminiscent of their meet cute in Season 1.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 30 July 2025
  • Make lunchtime fun again with the help of a cute and colorful bento box or a fun, interactive lunch box.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • Similarly, the winning formula behind Mamdani’s campaign – savvy use of social media – is not particularly hard for other progressive candidates to replicate.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its comedy is observational rather than overtly satirical, far less biting than other Judge creations like Idiocracy and Silicon Valley.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 July 2025
  • Letterman was a frequent critic of CBS, in a comedic but biting way.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shrewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewd. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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