Synonyms for keenness
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Acuteness
acuteness, acumen, sharpness, astuteness, perspicacity, shrewdness, smartness, quickness, acuity, pungency, rigor US, rigour UK, poignancy, edge, severity, bitterness, acrimony, tartness, asperity formal, causticity, subtlety, discernment, harshness
Definitions
- n. 1
sharpness or cutting ability
- n. 2
astuteness or sagacity
Forms
- Plural
- keennesses → acutenesses, acumens, sharpnesses, astutenesses…
Choose the right word
Shrewdness is keenness or sagacity, often with a somewhat evil bias, as ready to take advantage of duller intellects.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- sharpness I enchanted my sword with Sharpness II.
- acumen It is obvious to me that he has no political acumen at all.
- eagerness Pierre ate and drank a lot, with his usual eagerness.
- vehemence The exaggerated vehemence of his statement astonished everyone.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| keenness | steady | |
| sharpness | steady | |
| acumen | steady | |
| acuteness | falling | |
| astuteness | steady | |
| eagerness | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- edge1
- 5 letters
- rigor2, ardor2
- 6 letters
- acumen3, acuity4, rigour, ardour
- 7 letters
- avidity
- 8 letters
- severity4, subtlety3, acrimony4, tartness2, pungency, asperity4, avidness
- 9 letters
- sharpness2, eagerness3, quickness2, harshness2, poignancy3, smartness2, vehemence3, acuteness3
- 10 letters
- bitterness3, shrewdness2, astuteness3, causticity
- 11 letters
- discernment3
- 12 letters
- perspicacity
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (rigor2 = 2 syllables).