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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