sagacious

adjective

sə-ˈgā-shəs How to pronounce sagacious (audio)
Definition of sagaciousnext
as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a sagacious critique of the current social climate in our nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective sagacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sagacious are astute, perspicacious, and shrewd. While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness.

sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

In what contexts can astute take the place of sagacious?

The synonyms astute and sagacious are sometimes interchangeable, but astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill.

an astute player of party politics

When is perspicacious a more appropriate choice than sagacious?

The words perspicacious and sagacious can be used in similar contexts, but perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden.

a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

When can shrewd be used instead of sagacious?

While the synonyms shrewd and sagacious are close in meaning, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment.

a shrewd judge of character

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 sagacious The story, which reads as a simple recitation of the facts, portrays the decision to use the bomb as one made with sagacious care. — Andy Kifer, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2023 All that Manuel’s sagacious head coach Victor Valenzuela can do now is fine-tune his fighter’s composure. — Ben Wyatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2023 In the eye-popping sci-fi epic, Winslet plays the sagacious Ronal, an alien queen and healer who leads the oceanic Metkayina clan. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2022 Harper’s has been a sagacious and elegant presence in all this for a very long time, since there were giants on the earth, Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville. — Literary Hub, 26 Nov. 2025 The simplification of this rallying cry points to the exhibition’s sagacious curatorial focus. — Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sagacious
  1. wise
  2. prudent
  3. insightful
Adjective
  • Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
    — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
    — Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • Her perspective pushed his team to review their risk management, not because anything was broken, but because Louise's sharp, insightful questions brought a new perspective.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, the juggling of storylines ends up being more schematic than insightful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of insightful

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Cite this Entry

“Sagacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sagacious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sagacious

Nglish: Translation of sagacious for Spanish Speakers

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