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

Reuters reported, citing a cyber threat intelligence analyst, that Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany, and Belgium were affected.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Denmark's defense intelligence service specifically warned Russia could use such tactics to split the NATO alliance.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Her intelligence and wit serve her well as the horrors unfold.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
Perhaps the actor-director is trying to borrow a page from his bitterly funny David Fincher hit, Gone Girl (another kidnapping thriller, sort of), but Animals has none of that earlier picture’s wit or Grand Guignol extremes or gonzo structure.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 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

Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Organizations developing solutions that leverage AI should focus on connecting expertise and insights, deploying effective solutions in a timely fashion and, importantly, objectively measuring impact.

— Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of insight

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“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrewdness

noun

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