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 This is an astute observation from perhaps hockey’s most astute coach. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Financially, few compare to Tottenham Hotspur’s astute business acumen, as football finance expert at the University of Liverpool Kieran Maguire pointed out on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast recently. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Onstage on this opening weekend of the festival is the Los Angeles indie rock act Together Pangea, but for some astute music-lovers in the crowd, Tovar is as recognizable as anyone who will be on this stage. Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 But carry a big stick, in the form of astute sagacity. Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute
Adjective
  • Fort Worth is at a crucial moment for growth and opportunity, Parker said, stressing the importance of leading with smart policies that ensure the city thrives into the future.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
  • Some of it is also building on the brand that somebody really smart will take advantage of whatever opportunity is presented to them.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Roseman had obtained the 10th pick via shrewd trades, then traded up one spot to get Carter.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • He was roasted by his party for negotiating with local Democrats to give them a seat on the township board in exchange for keeping the GOP majority, a move that looks shrewd today.
    Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • They have been elevated by some savvy architects, undercut by assorted chain operations and frequently left for dead by the side of the road.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • But the Bulls will have to be savvy in their selection process to repeat that feat this summer.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The one that was pretty impactful for me at Cannes, at least life trajectory wise, probably more impactful than all of those other films, came in 2012.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • If not, while national security, stability, and local shipbuilding growth are important, adding levies to tariffs this year may not be wise.
    Phillip Molnar, Mercury News, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astute. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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