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Synonyms

street-smart

American  
[street-smahrt] / ˈstritˌsmɑrt /

adjective

  1. possessing or showing street smarts.


Etymology

Origin of street-smart

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

New Zealand's "street-smart" cricketers can find a way to beat England and guarantee their semi-final place at the T20 World Cup, coach Rob Walters said on Thursday.

From Barron's Feb. 26, 2026

Brook, like Stokes and McCullum, is street-smart - hardened by playing in Yorkshire's tough men's leagues by the age of 13 - and rough around the edges.

From BBC Apr. 7, 2025

And it’s a brief respite from work — she plays street-smart second-grade teacher Melissa Schemmenti on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and is currently on tour performing her comedy show.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 12, 2024

If they're not street-smart, they're not going to be there very long.

From Salon Oct. 11, 2023

Even the street-smart and experienced Lamphere was not prepared for Gardner's personality or his unusual brilliance.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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