shrewd crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! You've landed on the perfect page for quick and accurate solutions to the clue "shrewd crossword." Whether you're stuck on a daily puzzle or a challenging cryptic, we provide all possible answers categorized by length, along with helpful explanations to boost your vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "shrewd crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Clever in a deceptive or secretive way, often implying a cunning intelligence.
4 Letters
KEEN: Having or showing a quick and penetrating intellect or perception; highly perceptive and shrewd.
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully; cunning and shrewd.
5 Letters
ACUTE: Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; sharp-witted and astute.
CANNY: Having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters.
6 Letters
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; very shrewd.
CLEVER: Quick at learning and understanding things; ingenious or shrewd.
9 Letters
SAGACIOUS: Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise and shrewd.
More About "shrewd crossword"
The term "shrewd" in a crossword clue invites a range of synonyms that all point towards a sharp, intelligent, or perceptive mind. However, the specific nuance can vary. Some answers, like SLY or WILY, lean towards cunning or even deceit, suggesting intelligence used for personal gain, possibly in a secretive manner. Others, such as ASTUTE, KEEN, or ACUTE, emphasize insight, quick understanding, and good judgment, often in a more neutral or positive light.
Crossword setters love "shrewd" because of its versatile pool of synonyms and the different letter counts these words provide. To solve it, you often need to consider the context of other intersecting words or even the theme of the puzzle if it's a themed crossword. Paying attention to whether the clue hints at a positive or negative connotation of cleverness can also guide your choice.
Understanding these subtle differences will not only help you solve the current puzzle but also improve your overall vocabulary and ability to tackle similar clues in the future. Answercrossword.com aims to be your go-to resource for deciphering these linguistic challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: "Shrewd" can imply cleverness, astuteness, or even cunning. Consider which shade of meaning best fits the crossword grid and any surrounding clues.
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available squares for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like SLY (3 letters) versus SAGACIOUS (9 letters).
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tip! Letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly reveal the correct answer among similar-length synonyms.
- Think Beyond Common Synonyms: While words like ASTUTE and KEEN are popular, don't forget less common but valid synonyms like WILY or CANNY, especially in harder puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'shrewd' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Shrewd' in crosswords usually refers to someone having sharp powers of judgment; astute, discerning, or clever. It often implies a practical intelligence used to one's advantage, sometimes with a hint of cunning.
Are there common synonyms for 'shrewd' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include ASTUTE, KEEN, ACUTE, SLY, WILY, CANNY, CLEVER, and SAGACIOUS. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
How can I figure out the correct length for 'shrewd' in my crossword?
The length is determined by the number of empty squares in the grid. Look at the number of boxes associated with the clue. Common lengths for 'shrewd' range from 3 letters (like SLY) to 9 letters (like SAGACIOUS) or even more for less common synonyms.