Synonyms for acumen
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
1. Shrewdness — quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination; acuity of…
shrewdness, keenness, acuteness, astuteness, intelligence, wit, perspicacity, acuity, sagacity, subtlety, penetration, insight, sharpness, discernment, depth, wits, foxiness, canniness, prudence
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination; acuity of mind.
Forms
- Plural
- acumens → shrewdnesses, keennesses, acutenesses, astutenesses…
Choose the right word
Sharpness, acuteness, and insight, however keen, and penetration, however deep, fall short of the meaning of acumen, which implies also ability to use these qualities to advantage. Acumen is sharpness to some purpose, and belongs to a mind that is comprehensive as well as keen.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- shrewdness I am no match for him in diplomatic shrewdness.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| acumen | steady | |
| keenness | steady | |
| shrewdness | steady | |
| acuteness | falling | |
| astuteness | steady | |
| insightfulness | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- wit1
- 4 letters
- wits1
- 5 letters
- depth1
- 6 letters
- acuity4
- 7 letters
- insight2, antenna3
- 8 letters
- subtlety3, prudence2, keenness, sagacity, foxiness
- 9 letters
- sharpness2, acuteness3, canniness
- 10 letters
- shrewdness2, astuteness3
- 11 letters
- penetration4, discernment3
- 12 letters
- intelligence4, perspicacity
- 14 letters
- insightfulness
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (acuity4 = 4 syllables).