SAGACIOUS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'sagacious' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sagacious are astute , perspicacious , and shrewd . While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness. // sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

Q: In what contexts can 'astute' take the place of 'sagacious'?

The synonyms astute and sagacious are sometimes interchangeable, but astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill. // an astute player of party politics

Q: When is 'perspicacious' a more appropriate choice than 'sagacious'?

The words perspicacious and sagacious can be used in similar contexts, but perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden. // a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

Q: When can 'shrewd' be used instead of 'sagacious'?

While the synonyms shrewd and sagacious are close in meaning, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment. // a shrewd judge of character

sagacious

adjective

sə-ˈgā-shəs

Definition of sagacious

as in wise

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a sagacious critique of the current social climate in our nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective sagacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sagacious are astute, perspicacious, and shrewd. While all these words mean "acute in perception and sound in judgment," sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness.

sagacious investors got in on the ground floor

In what contexts can astute take the place of sagacious?

The synonyms astute and sagacious are sometimes interchangeable, but astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill.

an astute player of party politics

When is perspicacious a more appropriate choice than sagacious?

The words perspicacious and sagacious can be used in similar contexts, but perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden.

a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade

When can shrewd be used instead of sagacious?

While the synonyms shrewd and sagacious are close in meaning, shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment.

a shrewd judge of character

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 sagacious Morris Chestnut Logline: As the fate of the earth hangs perilously in the balance, Bandi a sagacious elder embarks on a crucial mission to locate Tep one of the few legitimate descendants of an ancient extraterrestrial power, tracing back to a small tribe in Africa. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2024 Foster a balanced approach: While data can provide valuable insights at scale, integrating human judgment and industry expertise ensures a sagacious, well-rounded, and likely more ethical strategic investment approach. —Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 All that Manuel’s sagacious head coach Victor Valenzuela can do now is fine-tune his fighter’s composure. —Ben Wyatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sagacious

Adjective

The Camino is wise; its lessons come slowly, mile by mile, day by day.

— Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
Even if the snow continuously falls, removing it before more than four inches accumulates is wise, as large amounts of snow are significantly more difficult to remove.

— Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025