shrewd

[shrood]

adjective

shrewder, shrewdest 

1. having or showing astute or sharp judgment in practical matters, sometimes at the cost of moral compromise.

   a shrewd businessman.

   Synonyms: intelligent, discriminating, keen, sagacious, perspicacious, perceptive, discerning, quick

2. cunning or tricky; artful.

3. keen; piercing.

   shrewd pain.

4. Archaic.,  mischievous; naughty.

5. Obsolete.,  malicious or evil; bad.

6. Obsolete.,  shrewish.

shrewd

/ ʃruːd /

adjective

1. astute and penetrating, often with regard to business

2. artful and crafty

   a shrewd politician

3. obsolete

   1. piercing

      a shrewd wind

   2. spiteful

Other Word Forms

• shrewdly adverb
• shrewdness noun
• unshrewd adjective
• unshrewdly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrewd¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English shrewed, in part representing shrew ¹ + -ed ³ ( dogged ¹, wicked ); in part probably past participle of shrewen “to curse,” verb use of shrew ¹ ( -ed ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrewd¹

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

Synonym Study

See acute.

Example Sentences

They have made some shrewd signings in the transfer window with England youth international Lucia Kendall among a group of talented youngsters.

From BBC

Ferreira is an example of a shrewd selection to fill a specific role, but for some positions, the Invincibles have shown a willingness to go out and get the very best.

From BBC

That’s the thrust of the singer’s shrewd and tangy “Man’s Best Friend,” which dropped Thursday night, just a year after last summer’s chart-topping “Short n’ Sweet.”

From Los Angeles Times

In reality, Brie and Franco are married, adding a shrewd, singular layer of truth to each grisly moment — both literal and emotional — of writer-director Michael Shanks’ debut feature.

From Salon

The shrewd composition abuts their lips, so that they are just about to touch in a kiss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astute 
• cagey 
• canny 
• crafty 
• farsighted 
• ingenious 
• judicious 
• keen 
• penetrating 
• perceptive 
• probing 
• prudent 
• sensible 
• sharp 
• slick 
• sly 
• smart 
• wily 
• wise