shrewd
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for shrewd, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use shrewd
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shrewd businessman
shrewd move
shrewd judge of character
Etymology
From Middle English schrewed ("wicked, depraved"); the meaning softened over centuries from "malicious" to "cunning" to today's more approving "sharp-witted."
Full origin of shrewd →Frequently asked questions
What does “shrewd” mean?
The word “shrewd” means showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people. In plain terms, clever and practical, especially good at spotting the best move or judging people accurately.
How do you pronounce “shrewd”?
“Shrewd” is pronounced shrood (/ʃɹuːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shrewd” in a sentence?
Here is “shrewd” used in a sentence: “It was a shrewd move to buy the property before prices rose.”
What part of speech is “shrewd”?
“Shrewd” is an adjective.
Where does the word “shrewd” come from?
The word “shrewd” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schrewed ("wicked, depraved"); the meaning softened over centuries from "malicious" to "cunning" to today's more approving "sharp-witted.".
