1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
her sharp-witted questions always cut right to the core of the issue
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a TV game show that allows sharp-witted contestants to show their stuff
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Recent Examples of sharp-witted
In the film, Tyler, the Creator — credited under his full name, Tyler Okonma — plays Wally, a sharp-witted taxi driver who, like Chalamet’s Marty Mauser, is a ping-pong obsessive.
—
Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
And Sister Bernadette, 88, regularly shares sharp-witted observations about matters both sacred and secular over a ritual cup of coffee.
—Esme Nicholson, NPR, 1 Dec. 2025
This Netflix holiday flick follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a sharp-witted retail clerk juggling two jobs to care for her sick mother, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a down-on-his-luck former security consultant desperate to support his daughter after a divorce.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
On Christmas Eve, Cliff (Strassner), a down-on-his luck comedian who can’t catch a break, chips a tooth, and suddenly finds himself in the late-night care of Didi (Liz Larsen), a sharp-witted, no-nonsense dentist.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
After Diablo Cody’s Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay for Juno (2007), the screenwriter followed up the breakout hit with this sharp-witted, gory take on female rage and power dynamics.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Known primarily for his genre-defining work in music, Rocky’s latest turn as Yung Felon — a sharp-witted, ambitious rap artist — places him directly alongside screen legend Denzel Washington in some of the film’s most talked-about scenes.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
And Sister Bernadette, 88, regularly shares sharp-witted observations about matters both sacred and secular over a ritual cup of coffee.
—Esme Nicholson, NPR, 1 Dec. 2025
This Netflix holiday flick follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a sharp-witted retail clerk juggling two jobs to care for her sick mother, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a down-on-his-luck former security consultant desperate to support his daughter after a divorce.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
On Christmas Eve, Cliff (Strassner), a down-on-his luck comedian who can’t catch a break, chips a tooth, and suddenly finds himself in the late-night care of Didi (Liz Larsen), a sharp-witted, no-nonsense dentist.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
After Diablo Cody’s Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay for Juno (2007), the screenwriter followed up the breakout hit with this sharp-witted, gory take on female rage and power dynamics.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Known primarily for his genre-defining work in music, Rocky’s latest turn as Yung Felon — a sharp-witted, ambitious rap artist — places him directly alongside screen legend Denzel Washington in some of the film’s most talked-about scenes.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-witted
Adjective
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An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.—
Kathryn Streeter,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But astute viewers will see some other familiar, and perhaps surprising, rock ‘n’ roll faces in the production.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
25 Oct. 2025
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Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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A lot of clever stuff goes into this.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Both deserve credit for some shrewd additions, like the trades for Jowon Briggs, Harrison Phillips and Jarvis Brownlee.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Thus, unnecessary expansion is one of the shrewdest ways of funding necessary repair.—
Jackson Arn,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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As Beck spoke on the crowded field afterward, Cristobal swept past and stopped for quick bear hug.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most people drive up a Forest Service Road for quicker access, putting them at the beginning of a two-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.—
Outside,
Outside,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Lindsay, our costume designer, was brilliant.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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At its center is a mysterious oligarch whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Development remains a hot-button issue in Florida, where many residents feel that growth is happening too fast and intensely — especially in previously natural or agricultural areas.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The installation of at least 77 400-kW DC fast chargers are planned at Walmart stores in 19 states, according to the retail giant’s website.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sharp-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-witted. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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