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Definition of shrewdly

shrewdly

/ˈʃruːdli/
shrewd · ly
Adjective:shrewd
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shrewdly Lexical Profile

shrewdly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an astute, sharp-witted, or discerning manner; with keen practical judgment and cleverness.

Example

"She shrewdly negotiated the contract terms to secure long-term funding for the research department."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for shrewdly

• Nearby Words

shreveport
shrew
shrewd
shrewdly
shrewdness
shrewish
shrewishly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the Middle English adjective 'shrewd' (originally meaning 'evil' or 'malicious', derived from 'shrew') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. Over the 16th and 17th centuries, the sense softened from 'cunningly malicious' to 'cleverly discerning'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shrewdly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shrewdly
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