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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 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

The Mineral Fire broke out near Iowa Hill Road and had been mapped at 2 acres by a Cal Fire intelligence aircraft.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Kao is widely regarded within Indian intelligence circles as a formative figure in the country’s espionage apparatus, with successive R&AW chiefs having credited his strategic approach.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Laced with Horgan’s signature combination of unsparing honesty and sparkling wit, Youth is a fleet and frisky reminder that growing into yourself is a lifelong endeavor.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
What follows is a modern picaresque journey, in which a clever underdog has to rely on her wit and wiles to survive a corrupt and perilous world.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 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

Lee’s transpacific perspective has given him a unique insight into the challenges that global companies face in realizing AI’s potential.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Regularly revisiting these assessments as teams evolve can provide valuable insights into how dynamics shift over time and ensure that teams remain balanced and high-performing.

— Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of insight

Browse Nearby Words

shrewd

shrewdness

shrews

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shrewdness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compendious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes