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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Recent Examples of shrewdness
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrewdness
Noun
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In the past year, GUDEA, a behavioral intelligence startup that tracks viral, reputation-harming claims on the internet, flagged two separate bot smear campaigns against Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2026
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Greek authorities gave no further details of the drone, while Greek naval experts said that its features resemble Ukrainian Magura-type craft — a platform developed by Ukraine's intelligence service.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Their choreographed debate exploited and skewered stereotypes via expert timing and pointed wit, hitting home with the predominantly Asian and South Asian audience.—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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Known for his genial wit, Grover had joined the Office of Strategic Services during World War II before returning to head the Archives in 1948.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Noun
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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
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The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
20 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
The Taurus Sun harmonizes with Jupiter in your 11th House of Friendship, drawing support for bigger plans through allies, networks, and shared insight.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
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Success at tests like puzzles and mazes, which appeared to Washburn to be the result of reasoning, or insight—observation and detection—Thorndike insisted was instead merely the result of blundering, repetition, and trial and error.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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