sharp-witted

adjective

ˈshärp-ˈwi-təd How to pronounce sharp-witted (audio)
Definition of sharp-wittednext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sharp-witted Curtis is set to step into the role of Jessica Fletcher, the sharp-witted mystery writer and amateur detective famously portrayed by Angela Lansbury in the original television series. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 They’ll be joined by Downton Abbey‘s Julian Ovenden as the suave, sophisticated Dexter Haven, Carly Mercedes Dyer (Anything Goes) as the sharp-witted Liz, Nigel Lindsay (Mobland) as Uncle Willie, and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky) as Seth Lord. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026 Before Uncle Sam, other figures represented the young country, including Yankee Doodle, once a British insult aimed at American colonials, and Brother Jonathan, a sharp-witted embodiment of American common sense. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Mar. 2026 Abbington plays Eve, a sharp-witted, slightly off-kilter actress whose obsession with the case pulls her into the investigative orbit and complicates the group dynamic. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharp-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-witted
  1. smart
  2. intelligent
  3. astute
  4. clever
  5. shrewd
  6. quick
  7. brilliant
  8. fast
Adjective
  • That trio combined to force Carl Rushworth into two smart saves in the first half, either side of Haaland’s goal.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The water-resistant exterior is suited for stadiums, gyms, and concerts and the smart design folds flat with a built-in carrying strap for easy transportation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • Silicon Labs said the new laboratory expands its ability to develop secure and intelligent wireless technologies as demand for connected devices grows.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Just over four months later, Google introduced Universal Cart, an intelligent shopping cart that allows consumers to add products from different retailers and purchase them through a single checkout.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • This tension is often subtext enough, and it’s accentuated by cinematographer Adric Watson’s tight and dirty frames, which confine Maya and Arti through astute visual composition, as the reality of their cushy lives is gradually illuminated.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Schlager is an astute arrival as a free agent, following the end of his RB Leipzig contract, in a move that reunites him with a manager who knows him well.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of astute
Adjective
  • The renovation took two years, and the sisters are still updating and tweaking the villa with new color schemes and clever offerings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, that always creates opportunities for movies to break through and shine, thanks to clever marketing.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Ndiaye in particular has excited fans and could be a shrewd addition.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With just over a month remaining before the start of training camp, Perry has reportedly made another shrewd salary cap move to avoid the NBA luxury tax.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrewd
Adjective
  • Police credited the group's quick response with helping save the woman's life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Then the bear tossed a quick glance at Corle and fled into the underbrush.
    — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • On the other hand, Sanders and the Buffaloes will need to work on special teams despite Carter’s brilliant rush off the edge during that field goal block.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The talent is clear, and his foray through professional hockey has been nothing short of brilliant.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of brilliant
Adjective
  • The idea that stricter work-search requirements will lead to faster re-employment simply doesn't match the reality of modern hiring.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Keith, meanwhile, is among the team’s sneaky-fast young players.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of fast

Browse Nearby Words

sharp-tongued
sharp-witted
shatter
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Cite this Entry

“Sharp-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-witted. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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