Definitions

shrewd

[shrood] / ʃrud /

ADJECTIVE

clever, intelligent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute cagey canny crafty farsighted ingenious judicious keen penetrating perceptive probing prudent sensible sharp slick sly smart wily wise

WEAK

acute argute artful astucious brainy calculating cunning cutting deep discerning discriminating foxy heady in the know inside knowing on the inside on top of perspicacious piercing profound quick-witted sagacious savvy shark slippery smooth streetwise tricky underhand up on wised up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blunt dull foolish honest idiotic ignorant inept obtuse senseless slow stupid unclever unintelligent unreasonable unstylish unwise

WEAK

frivolous naive unthinking

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In drawing the moral to this experience, Graham wrote: “One lucky break, or one supremely shrewd decision — can we tell them apart? — may count for more than a lifetime of journeyman efforts.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

A relentlessly driven, shrewd dealmaker and entrepreneur, Allen is used to defying skeptics and seeing opportunity in assets overlooked by others.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Sunderland defied all the odds and predictions with an outstanding season back in the Premier League under the calm, understated but very shrewd guidance of Regis le Bris.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

A bit more examination reveals that Rory’s heavily mortgaged ancestral manse is ripe for foreclosure, so the shrewd Birdie and a few new acquaintances step in with an unorthodox plan to stop such proceedings.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

He is plausible, convincing, likable, and far and away the most wily, subtle, and shrewd of all the inhabitants of Asgard.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Vocabulary lists containing shrewd

List 2

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And Then There Were None

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Much Ado About Nothing

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