Synonym Chooser

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 Brennan earlier discussed Putin’s experience as a KGB agent and described the Russian leader as an astute manipulator. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 18 Aug. 2025 Andy, in his most astute moment of the episode, points out that Jax does have control. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025 An astute judge of talent, Reid also suggested John Bonham fill the drum chair in Led Zeppelin. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 Elliott Investment Management Ownership: n/a Average Cost: n/a Activist Commentary: Elliott is a very successful and astute activist investor. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute
Adjective
  • See our review The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don’t expect more power The six-figure 2025 Lexus LX Hybrid takes full-size luxury to new heights.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stephen Kolek pitches well again The Royals made a shrewd move by acquiring starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Imagine what a shrewd, wheeler-dealer type could do with the Pirates.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2025
  • However, a separate device is suitable for less tech-savvy users.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Either by choice or otherwise, Wolves lost seven players who appeared regularly in the first team last season and brought in six new faces, so numbers-wise, there is little difference.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The measure further reduces offshore drilling, but the effort to compensate in a region that is highly dependent on the oil industry was a wise move.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astute. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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