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

The 56-year-old Iranian American, who grew up in Los Angeles, is the architect of shrewd moves that have brought Paramount within reach of its blockbuster merger that would redefine Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 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

Zanjani’s story is a rags-to-riches tale of a man who amassed extraordinary wealth as a shrewd operator for a pressured Iranian regime.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Francie and Neeley had each been given a strip but Francie had been tempted by some shrewd boys into gambling her tickets in a marble game.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

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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