Synonyms of shrewdness

shrewdness

noun

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

• intelligence
• wit
• astuteness
• acumen
• insight
• wisdom
• canniness
• intellect
• clear-sightedness
• hardheadedness
• keenness
• caginess
• knowingness
• sagacity
• sharpness
• sense
• foxiness
• cunning
• perceptiveness
• perceptivity
• discernment
• perception
• slyness
• subtlety
• sagaciousness
• guile
• artfulness
• sapience
• reason
• wiliness
• percipience
• deviousness
• sneakiness
• craftiness
• subtleness
• slickness
• sageness
• gray matter
• artifice
• brain(s)
• craft

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• naïveté
• ingenuousness
• guilelessness
• artlessness
• simplicity
• unworldliness
• simplemindedness
• innocence
• naiveness
• unsophistication
• greenness
• simpleness
• obtuseness
• stupidity
• foolishness
• density
• slowness
• dumbness
• fatuity
• witlessness
• mindlessness
• vacuity
• oafishness
• stupidness
• senselessness
• brainlessness
• dopiness
• doltishness
• half-wittedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shrewdness

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

And Ten Hag’s training ground shrewdness was meant to correct that. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025