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Definition of shrewdness

shrewdness

/ˈʃruːd.nəs/
shrewd · ness
Adverb:shrewdly
•
Plural:shrewdnesses
•
Adjective:shrewd
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shrewdness Lexical Profile

shrewdness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of having or showing sharp powers of judgment, practical perceptiveness, and astuteness.

Example

"Her financial shrewdness enabled the small publishing company to thrive during an economic downturn."

2

A group of apes.

Example

"The wildlife photographer patiently waited for the shrewdness of apes to descend from the canopy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for shrewdness

• Nearby Words

shrew
shrewd
shrewdly
shrewdness
shrewish
shrewishly
shrewlike

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'shrewd' plus the suffix '-ness'. Originally, 'shrewd' meant 'wicked, malicious, or ill-natured' (derived from 'shrew', an evil person or small mammal once thought to have a venomous bite), before gradually shifting in the 16th and 17th centuries to mean 'clever' or 'astute' in practical affairs.

Cite this Entry

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