SHARP-WITTED Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

sharp-witted

adjective

ˈshärp-ˈwi-təd

Definition of sharp-witted

as in smart

having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment her sharp-witted questions always cut right to the core of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intelligent

having or showing quickness of mind a TV game show that allows sharp-witted contestants to show their stuff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sharp-witted Forced into an uneasy alliance with a sharp-witted poacher living on the margins of society (Kellyman), the two women fight back, turning their powerlessness into strength through violence, wit, and defiance. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 Curtis is set to step into the role of Jessica Fletcher, the sharp-witted mystery writer and amateur detective famously portrayed by Angela Lansbury in the original television series. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Before Uncle Sam, other figures represented the young country, including Yankee Doodle, once a British insult aimed at American colonials, and Brother Jonathan, a sharp-witted embodiment of American common sense. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Mar. 2026 Abbington plays Eve, a sharp-witted, slightly off-kilter actress whose obsession with the case pulls her into the investigative orbit and complicates the group dynamic. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharp-witted

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-witted

Adjective

Craig was highly rated, and the plan to try to be more physical with Sammis’ pro-style attack in a league increasingly dominated by teams built in the trenches like Texas Tech, BYU and Utah seemed smart.

— Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
Having experienced the dial adjust the volume on its own while the case was in my pocket, a disable option seems smart.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

For much of the world, the AI that would matter most may not be the most intelligent model ever built.

— Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

His astute stand-up and withering, spot-on insights into race, relationships and celebrity have influenced countless comedians and writers.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Her astute explanations, along with conversations with former immigration judges and other experts, helped turn a convoluted topic into a clear story.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of astute

Adjective

The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

At times, Zukenee’s chameleonic range and ironic language can feel like a shrewd substitute for vulnerability.

— Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Atlanta general manager Dan Padover built the Dream into a title contender through shrewd trades, a little bit of luck and patience from the team's ownership group.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrewd

Adjective

From a charismatic Formula 1 racing legend to a brilliant but flawed soccer god to a troubled, tragic singer, Academy Award-winning docmaker Asif Kapadia has made a career out of telling the stories of larger-than-life figures.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Her positive testimonial was echoed by a downer-loving millionaire who attended with her brilliant and terrifyingly thin mother for her 70th birthday.

— Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of brilliant

Adjective

In March 2026, China approved the world’s first commercially available brain-computer interface medical device, a milestone that pointed to ambitions extending well beyond low-cost production or fast-follow imitation.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
The uptick in earnings came as factory-gate prices rose at their fastest pace since mid-2022, driven by higher energy and raw material prices amid the Middle East conflict.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of fast

Browse Nearby Words

sharp-tongued

sharp-witted

shatter

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sharp-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-witted. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sharp-witted

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes