Synonym Chooser

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 As many of our astute commenters guessed, between the peeing on himself and the trouble getting it up, Harry Goldenblatt has prostate cancer. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025 An astute and compassionate portrait of sisterhood, flaws and all, the dynamics between the characters are sublime. Fran Littlewood june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 Although there are no easy solutions to these multiplying threats, U.S. leaders can significantly mitigate them by making astute, yet still modest, changes to the arsenal itself and to the overall role of nuclear strategy in U.S. foreign and defense policy. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The 51-year-old is widely considered one of the most astute tacticians in the Premier League and has been the figurehead of one of the smartest, shrewdest clubs anywhere in European soccer for the last seven years. Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for astute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astute
Adjective
  • If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Instead of chasing trends, smart companies stay committed to long-term brand building and reputation management.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Though plot details for Wake Up Dead Man remain tightly under wraps, audiences can expect the return of the shrewd detective parsing through yet another murderous mystery.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
  • But even with that in mind, this was a shrewd bet for the Rangers to make for a couple of reasons.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • Similarly, the winning formula behind Mamdani’s campaign – savvy use of social media – is not particularly hard for other progressive candidates to replicate.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The wise stargazer brings warm clothes, bug spray and snacks — and takes breaks from staring at the sky every 30 minutes or so.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • For investors, is the resolve to assume tariff threats are bluffs and the impact easily handled a wise stance based on lessons learned in the April overshoot sell-off?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astute. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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