1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a shrewd used car dealer who knew how to make the best possible deal shrewd investments that paid off big
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2
as in bitter
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
she pulled her coat tighter against the shrewd breeze whipping down the alley
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3
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a shrewd operator in the real estate game, she made every buyer think they were getting the deal of the century
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shrewd
The purchase was a shrewd move.
—
Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2025
Netanyahu is an extraordinary communicator and a shrewd politician.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
So the only thing the Rockies can do is draft and develop better and make a few shrewd signings of second-tier pitchers.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
But Tocqueville’s shrewder observation is that rising legal and economic equality indirectly produces social inequality as the dominant class is forced to confront the prospect of forfeiting its dominance.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrewd
Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2025
Netanyahu is an extraordinary communicator and a shrewd politician.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
So the only thing the Rockies can do is draft and develop better and make a few shrewd signings of second-tier pitchers.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
But Tocqueville’s shrewder observation is that rising legal and economic equality indirectly produces social inequality as the dominant class is forced to confront the prospect of forfeiting its dominance.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrewd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrewd
Adjective
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And that's not even counting any of the wholly original new shows this fall that are smart, gripping and exciting.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Elena Linari is a smart defensive signing, too.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Creative differences led to a bitter falling out between Davies and Hodgson, who left the band in 1983.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
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But to have the season’s only returning houseguest exit on a twist like this, and not even from gameplay, social standing or an eviction vote leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, to say the least.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
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Joan Silber is a contemporary genius at creating artful stories of a multitude of characters who ricochet in cunning ways, crossing generations and continents.—
Jane Ciabattari
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whereas the former revealed the many ways in which the responsibility for keeping families and communities together falls on women (an observation that informs the new series as well), Ingelsby’s latest makes an astute study of guilt, revenge, and forgiveness.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
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Dan had done the right thing, but not the strategic or politically astute thing.—
Carol Geffner,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There was a sharp spike in job cuts during August, new data shows, as employers shed staff due to a worsening economic picture.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Analysts Craig Moffett’s rating change follows a sharp rally for the tech giant.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ofeefan Long-Sleeve A-Line Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress This mini sweater dress would look cute with a cropped leather jacket and coordinating knee-high boots.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Ouligay Period Bag My teen and her friends always make sure to keep their period stashes organized in one cute pouch like this black one.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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To enjoy bushels of your favorite fruits, there are some savvy ways to improve the health of your trees and enhance your harvest.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The characters have this sharp, biting, British humor.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
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The commercial realities of hosting a network television show seem to preclude the biting and incisive commentary, and boundary-pushing humor, for which audiences have turned to YouTube and podcasts.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewd. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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