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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 What sets them apart, though, from any other exceptionally handsome young men is their astute understanding of the female gaze and their adept ability to cater naturally to it. —

Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 Since being sworn in, Hodge Washington has shown a fierce level of independent thinking on the council, challenging council staff with astute questions and adeptly navigating contentious matters facing her district and citywide. —

Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for astute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute

Adjective

That led to his breakout success with The Elephant Man, starring John Hurt as the friendly and smart but disfigured title character in Victorian England and Anthony Hopkins as the doctor who tries to treat him.

Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
Best Packing Essentials Deals For frequent travelers, packing smart is important, and these products can make all the difference.

Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2025