English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

shrewd

shrood
adj
1
Showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people.
"It was a shrewd move to buy the property before prices rose."
"She's a shrewd negotiator who never shows her hand too early."

How to Use Shrewd

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClever and practical, especially good at spotting the best move or judging people accurately.

Common mistake

Shrewd is generally a compliment today, unlike its older meaning of "wicked" — don't assume it's negative.

Common pairings
shrewd businessman shrewd move shrewd judge of character

Word Forms

shrewder comparative, shrewdest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “shrewd” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

It was a _____ move to buy the property before prices rose.

Etymology

From Middle English schrewed ("wicked, depraved"); the meaning softened over centuries from "malicious" to "cunning" to today's more approving "sharp-witted."

Rhymes for shrewd

See all rhymes for shrewd →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial