Synonyms for shrewdness
- noun
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
Definitions
- n. 1
The quality of being shrewd.
Forms
- Plural
- shrewdnesses → acumens, astutenesses, perspicacities, cunnings…
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
- cunning Tuaregs have a reputation for bravery and cunning.
- acumen It is obvious to me that he has no political acumen at all.
- perspicacity I trust in his perspicacity.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| shrewdness | steady | |
| cunning | rising | |
| acumen | steady | |
| astuteness | steady | |
| perspicacity | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- art1
- 5 letters
- craft1, guile1
- 6 letters
- acumen3
- 7 letters
- cunning2, slyness2
- 8 letters
- subtlety3, gumption2, keenness, sagacity
- 9 letters
- ingenuity5, sharpness2, acuteness3
- 10 letters
- cleverness3, astuteness3, artfulness
- 11 letters
- penetration4, discernment3
- 12 letters
- intelligence4, perspicacity
- 14 letters
- discrimination5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (acumen3 = 3 syllables).