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

War Secretary Pete Hegseth is mobilizing the Pentagon’s cybersecurity and intelligence resources to protect against foreign interference in the 2026 midterm elections.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
The State Department’s annual declassified intelligence report has repeatedly concluded that Russia and North Korea have offensive biological weapons programs, while raising concerns about China and Iran.

— Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
One of them was Maggie Bieritz, one of those people who radiates joy and wit.

— Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 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

The aim is to help a variety of institutions gain insights into the origins of their collections, providing a basis for further actions.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Also at Iberseries, Pedro Lopes, director general of content at SPi in Portugal, gave some insight into typical microdrama viewing behavior.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of insight

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shrewd

shrewdness

shrews

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“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrewdness

noun

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