ASTUTE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'astute' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of astute are perspicacious , sagacious , and shrewd . While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill. // an astute player of party politics

Q: When could 'perspicacious' be used to replace 'astute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to astute , perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden. // a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

Q: When might 'sagacious' be a better fit than 'astute'?

In some situations, the words sagacious and astute are roughly equivalent. However, sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness. // sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

Q: When would 'shrewd' be a good substitute for 'astute'?

Although the words shrewd and astute have much in common, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment. // a shrewd judge of character

astute

adjective

ə-ˈstüt

Definition of astute next

as in smart

having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment a police detective known to be an astute judge of character

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How does the adjective astute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of astute are perspicacious, sagacious, and shrewd. While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill.

an astute player of party politics

When could perspicacious be used to replace astute?

While in some cases nearly identical to astute, perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden.

a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

When might sagacious be a better fit than astute?

In some situations, the words sagacious and astute are roughly equivalent. However, sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness.

sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

When would shrewd be a good substitute for astute?

Although the words shrewd and astute have much in common, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment.

a shrewd judge of character

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of astute Haunted by an investigation that went unsolved years ago, the aged and beleaguered yet incredibly astute Deke is drawn back into the world of homicide after teaming up with the young, driven, idealistic Jim Baxter (Malek). —

Travis Bean, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 The Polish festival could hardly ask for a jury chair more astute to the nuances of craft behind the camera as well as in front of it. —

Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 With astute planning and policies, countries can survive and even thrive as their societies grow older. —

Vegard Skirbekk, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024 Employers welcome candidates who have been astute enough to purposefully develop their communication, leadership and organizational skills to enable them to stay current in the face of working landscape changes like remote and asynchronous work. —

Al Kingsley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for astute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute

Adjective

As with other types of small drone, this capability could spread quickly among both friendly and hostile forces, although replicating the smart AI software sets a much higher bar than simply copying hardware. Follow me on Twitter.

David Hambling, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
And shop additional deals on streaming devices, smart televisions, and even on-ear headphones for kids.

Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025