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.

On X, there’s a debate about whether Berkshire’s CEO, Greg Abel, made a shrewd move in buying the Alphabet stock.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved a very shrewd signing on a free transfer from Everton, while, as expected, the Elland Road bearpit played its part.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Most films have instead relied on resourceful camerawork, creative license and shrewd editing to bring an authentic, you-are-there quality to footage lensed mainly in and around Cannes, including iconic festival exteriors and the attendant bustle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

“Genius and Anxiety,” Norman Lebrecht’s shrewd title for his 2019 study of angst and Jewish achievement, could just as easily apply to a study of Goldman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

In the twilight the memory of him was very sharp, the soft pink skin aging on his fine cheekbones, the thin aristocratic nose, the eyes, so shrewd and yet so loving.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

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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