SHREWDNESS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

shrewdness

noun

Definition of shrewdness

as in intelligence

exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters a woman with the thick-skinned shrewdness to survive in a tough business

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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 shrewdness Spain’s shrewdness came in their refusal to engage with off-the-ball trivialities. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Instead, Franklin will rise by virtue of hard work and (actual) shrewdness. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend. — Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 Venusian shrewdness and Mercurian intelligence are coming together to boost your analytical powers — at least, in regard to your own finances. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrewdness

Noun

But instead of making personal expertise the bottleneck through which every decision must pass, the leader creates a structure in which collective intelligence can emerge.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Ad spending on linear late-night shows is clearly continuing to fall; ad intelligence agency Guideline noted that spend went from $439M in 2018 to $221M in 2024.

— Peter White, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Yet despite this unease, they are also shown with occasional silliness and wit, as well as an unexpected strength to their paradoxically porcelain-like bodies.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
His playful sophisticated wit was often aimed at his presidency, his wealthy background and occasionally his brothers, Teddy and Bobby.

— John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of wit

Noun

Cignetti has tapped into a distinctly Hoosier brand of team pride, which proves that his acumen is just as strong off the football field as on it.

— Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026
The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.

— Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023

Definition of acumen

Noun

Forty-five minutes in front of a Croke Park terrace rammed with Leeds supporters, less than a week after becoming the club’s most expensive transfer in history, also gave him an unsubtle insight into the reaction.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The tale of a school principal who forms a bond with an otherworldly boy draws from his own insights.

— Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of insight

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shrewdness

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“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrewdness

noun

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