Synonyms for astute
- adjective
Most common
Definitions
- adj. 1
Quickly and critically discerning.
Related words
- Word family
- astutely astuteness
Choose the right word
Astute, from the Latin, with the original sense of cunning has come to have a meaning that combines the sense of acute or keen with that of sagacious. The astute mind adds to acuteness and keenness an element of cunning or finesse.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- cunning Tuaregs have a reputation for bravery and cunning.
- ingenious The ingenious boy won a prize for his invention.
- shrewd I know that Tom is a very shrewd businessman.
- perspicacious Jane, your perspicacious child just figured out my Internet password.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| astute | rising | |
| cunning | rising | |
| ingenious | falling | |
| shrewd | steady | |
| perspicacious | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- sly1
- 4 letters
- deep1, wise1, keen1, wily2
- 5 letters
- quick1, smart1, sharp1, acute2
- 6 letters
- subtle2, crafty2, shrewd1, artful2
- 7 letters
- knowing2, cunning2, prudent2
- 9 letters
- ingenious3, sagacious
- 10 letters
- discerning3
- 11 letters
- intelligent4, penetrating4
- 13 letters
- perspicacious4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (wily2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- astucieux