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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


shrewd

adjective

Definition: 1. marked by sound judgment and practical intelligence; 2. inclined to use cunning, underhanded practices

Synonyms: astute, sharp, keen, sagacious, clever, cunning, crafty, calculating, tricky, sly, cagey, underhanded

Antonyms: naïve, stupid, inept, foolish

Tips: Shrewd is derived from the word shrewe, which means "wicked man." Shrewd can be used to describe people and/or business practices that are both smart and underhanded. Shrewd is similar to astute as both words are used to describe sound judgment and practical intelligence. Since shrewd has a negative connotation, it's usually used to describe someone who is sharp and intelligent, but potentially underhanded at the same time. For example: The shrewd attorney always finds a way to win a case, while an astute investor finds a way to make money through research and intelligence.

Usage Examples:

He was a shrewd businessman who knew how to turn a profit. (crafty, sharp)

The union was known for its shrewd negotiating tactics. (calculating, underhanded)

She was a shrewd traveler who carefully researched every stop of the trip. (astute, sagacious)

His shrewd courtroom tactics made him a highly sought-after attorney. (keen, sagacious)


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