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

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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 This revival and the characters themselves are more psychologically astute and self-aware. —

Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026 This hotel offers good deals for its prime location on Saint-Paul, easily Old Montreal's nicest shopping street, so the guests are astute travelers with taste. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 When asked by the Miami Herald about potential conflicts of interest and transparency concerns between her private companies and the charter school contracts she’s received, Erika Donalds described herself as simply an astute businesswoman. —

Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 However, through savvy identification of talent and astute player development, the Orioles soon became legitimate contenders, winning 89 games in 1960 and 95 in 1961, and, after a brief stumble, 86 in 1963, 97 in 1964 and 94 in 1965. —

Raymond Daniel Burke, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute

Adjective

August 23 – September 22 A smart adjustment today creates more momentum than effort.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026