shrewdness

noun

Definition of shrewdnessnext
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

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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 shrewdness And Ten Hag’s training ground shrewdness was meant to correct that. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025 Instead, Franklin will rise by virtue of hard work and (actual) shrewdness. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrewdness
  1. intelligence
  2. wit
  3. acumen
  4. insight
Noun
  • Bobbi Queen, a former senior fashion editor at WWD who was known for her intelligence, wit and sense of style, died Thursday at her New York apartment at the age of 84.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • Autonomy with human oversight Artificial intelligence handles much of CobraJet’s flight through an autonomous autopilot supported by electro-optical and infrared cameras.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • To be sure, Maher’s ready wit and spontaneous repartee as a talk show host were central themes for the parade of chums who praised the honoree.
    — Paul Harris, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • Jade stalked Chelsea, but Charlotte Flair interfered and hit Cargill wit the belt.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 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
Definition of acumen
Noun
  • Any insight into the enigma that is Warsh, the new chairman of the Federal Reserve, is of use to Wall Street and economists around the world.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • The rerelease includes exclusive insight from Leonard Maltin.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of insight

Browse Nearby Words

shrewd
shrewdness
shrews
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Cite this Entry

“Shrewdness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrewdness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shrewdness

Nglish: Translation of shrewdness for Spanish Speakers

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