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

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

Example 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 But certain guessers are surprisingly astute in ways that are mesmerizing to watch and occasionally informative. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 July 2026 Both thrived on the back of excellent recruitment and astute coaching, but now comes the challenge of backing it up. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026 As an astute student of soul, Jasmine Rose Wilson has identified a common thread tying together all the different permutations of the music. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026 But the most astute recognize the folly of the notion that the military can sidestep politics entirely. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for astute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute

Adjective

But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
But getting there wasn’t just about making smart product decisions.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

With just over a month remaining before the start of training camp, Perry has reportedly made another shrewd salary cap move to avoid the NBA luxury tax.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Goretzka is viewed as a shrewd potential signing, owing to his experience, leadership and physicality.

— Aston Villa, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrewd

Adjective

And no one has been savvier about capitalizing on these possibilities than the Kardashian family.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
But anyone can supersize their retirement account with some savvy execution, said Anne Tergesen and Theo Francis in The Wall Street Journal.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of savvy

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“Astute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astute. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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