acumen

noun

ˈa-kyü-mən How to pronounce acumen (audio)
Definition of acumennext
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters had the business acumen to know that the market for sportswear was becoming oversaturated

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun acumen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of acumen are discernment, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When would discernment be a good substitute for acumen?

The words discernment and acumen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When is it sensible to use discrimination instead of acumen?

While the synonyms discrimination and acumen are close in meaning, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When is insight a more appropriate choice than acumen?

The meanings of insight and acumen largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When could penetration be used to replace acumen?

The words penetration and acumen can be used in similar contexts, but penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When might perception be a better fit than acumen?

The synonyms perception and acumen are sometimes interchangeable, but perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 acumen Marquez will help the magazine triple down on that mission, thanks to her fashion acumen and a high-level of L.A. style institutional knowledge. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2022 The Eagles opening the season 8-0 for the first time in franchise history which is due in part to his football acumen and talent. —Mohammad Ahmad, cleveland, 9 Dec. 2022 Lon Morey — who runs Morbark, another wood chipper company — had been recognized by Northwood for his business acumen and support, and helped the university set up a meeting. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2022 Iger is widely considered entertainment industry royalty, celebrated for his management acumen and creative chops. —Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for acumen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acumen
  1. intelligence
  2. wit
  3. insight
Noun
  • Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist China's intelligence agencies when needed.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
  • Unethical competitive intelligence is, unfortunately, usually par for the course in the software industry.
    — Chris Mele, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.
    — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Director Vanessa Stallings’ entertaining and breezy staging brims with razor-sharp wit, physical comedy and pop-out visual surprises.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Definition of wit
Noun
  • Your brilliance shines when your language is grounded and your insights are shared with care.
    — Colin Bedell, Them., 28 May 2025
  • The accompanying tool kit, developed in collaboration with Woolmark’s global network of textile experts, provides in-depth insights into wool’s performance in denim applications, offering guidance on fiber selection, fabric construction, finishing techniques, and sustainability practices.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Definition of insight

Browse Nearby Words

acuity
acumen
acute
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Cite this Entry

“Acumen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acumen. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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