shrewd

1275–1325; Middle English shrewed, in part representing shrew¹ + -ed³ (cf. dogged¹, wicked); in part probably past participle of shrewen to curse, v. use of shrew¹ (see -ed²)

SYNONYMS FOR shrewd

1 quick, discerning, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious, keen; discriminating, intelligent. See acute.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR shrewd ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM shrewd

shrewd·ly, adverbshrewd·ness, nounun·shrewd, adjectiveun·shrewd·ly, adverb

un·shrewd·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for shrewdness

In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith.
Full Text of President Obama's Eulogy for Nelson Mandela|The Daily Beast|December 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But he had a greater respect than ever for the shrewdness of the business manager of Carvel & Company.
The Crisis, Complete|Winston Churchill
People were able to quote few definite opinions uttered by "Silent Simon," but any that could be quoted were shrewdness itself.
Simon|J. Storer Clouston
In this letter Borrow gives another illustration of his shrewdness.
The Life of George Borrow|Herbert Jenkins

It is remarkable to see how she has taken possession of this money and with what shrewdness she manages it.
The History of David Grieve|Mrs. Humphry Ward
She gives one an extraordinary impression of strength, shrewdness, and obstinacy.
My Memoirs|Marguerite Steinheil

British Dictionary definitions for shrewdness

shrewd

/ (ʃruːd) /

adjective

astute and penetrating, often with regard to business

artful and craftya shrewd politician

obsolete

piercinga shrewd wind
spiteful

Derived forms of shrewd

shrewdly, adverbshrewdness, noun

Word Origin for shrewd

C14: from shrew (obsolete vb) to curse, from shrew

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012