SHARP-WITTED Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

sharp-witted

adjective

ˈshärp-ˈwi-təd

Definition of sharp-witted

as in smart

having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment her sharp-witted questions always cut right to the core of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intelligent

having or showing quickness of mind a TV game show that allows sharp-witted contestants to show their stuff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sharp-witted Curtis is set to step into the role of Jessica Fletcher, the sharp-witted mystery writer and amateur detective famously portrayed by Angela Lansbury in the original television series. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 They’ll be joined by Downton Abbey‘s Julian Ovenden as the suave, sophisticated Dexter Haven, Carly Mercedes Dyer (Anything Goes) as the sharp-witted Liz, Nigel Lindsay (Mobland) as Uncle Willie, and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky) as Seth Lord. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026 Before Uncle Sam, other figures represented the young country, including Yankee Doodle, once a British insult aimed at American colonials, and Brother Jonathan, a sharp-witted embodiment of American common sense. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Mar. 2026 Abbington plays Eve, a sharp-witted, slightly off-kilter actress whose obsession with the case pulls her into the investigative orbit and complicates the group dynamic. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharp-witted

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-witted

Adjective

Gameplay sees major defensive overhauls, smarter linebackers, and complex pre-snap options, creating a deeper, more challenging experience.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
If Vuskovic grows into a Premier League regular and leader at Brighton, that club-record fee will turn into a smart piece of business.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

That so many otherwise intelligent people missed the warning signs is a testament to the power of his message and the force of his charisma.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
For example, Anderson has one client who’s 35, good looking and tall and in finance, who also wants a gorgeous and intelligent girl.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

The astute reader may have noticed that these soft skills, while presented as central to future leadership, as not exactly new.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
But certain guessers are surprisingly astute in ways that are mesmerizing to watch and occasionally informative.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 July 2026

Definition of astute

Adjective

The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

Staff in the South Stand offices would spend the winter months wearing jackets due to a broken boiler and, according to Bruce, only the players quickest to the dressing-room showers could expect to enjoy hot water after games.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
This is excellent energy for captions, pitches, texts, brainstorming, flirting, or turning a quick idea into something shareable.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

The opening drive called by Webb was a brilliant blur — a six-play, 69-yard march that wrapped up in a little more than three minutes.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Hofstadter is brilliant at analyzing types that feel quite familiar to us today—the crusading urban progressive, the small-town conspiracy theorist.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of brilliant

Adjective

Rhyne Howard became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 100 made three-pointers in a season, doing it in just 31 games.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Jen Gauthier, Raytheon’s vice president for Naval Systems & Sustainment, said the demonstration supports faster development of autonomous undersea capabilities.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fast

Browse Nearby Words

sharp-tongued

sharp-witted

shatter

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“Sharp-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-witted. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharp-witted

adjective

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