1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
In the film, Tyler, the Creator — credited under his full name, Tyler Okonma — plays Wally, a sharp-witted taxi driver who, like Chalamet’s Marty Mauser, is a ping-pong obsessive.
—
Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
And Sister Bernadette, 88, regularly shares sharp-witted observations about matters both sacred and secular over a ritual cup of coffee.
—Esme Nicholson, NPR, 1 Dec. 2025
This Netflix holiday flick follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a sharp-witted retail clerk juggling two jobs to care for her sick mother, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a down-on-his-luck former security consultant desperate to support his daughter after a divorce.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
On Christmas Eve, Cliff (Strassner), a down-on-his luck comedian who can’t catch a break, chips a tooth, and suddenly finds himself in the late-night care of Didi (Liz Larsen), a sharp-witted, no-nonsense dentist.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
After Diablo Cody’s Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay for Juno (2007), the screenwriter followed up the breakout hit with this sharp-witted, gory take on female rage and power dynamics.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Known primarily for his genre-defining work in music, Rocky’s latest turn as Yung Felon — a sharp-witted, ambitious rap artist — places him directly alongside screen legend Denzel Washington in some of the film’s most talked-about scenes.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-witted
Adjective
-
An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.—
-
There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.—
Adjective
-
Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
-
Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Adjective
-
The champion of deregulation here embraced radical regulation, in a way that served his interests as a homeowner but was also politically astute.—
-
And perhaps Disney’s deal with OpenAI will prove prescient and astute.—
Adjective
-
Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
-
With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Adjective
-
Both deserve credit for some shrewd additions, like the trades for Jowon Briggs, Harrison Phillips and Jarvis Brownlee.—
-
Thus, unnecessary expansion is one of the shrewdest ways of funding necessary repair.—
Adjective
-
As Beck spoke on the crowded field afterward, Cristobal swept past and stopped for quick bear hug.—
-
Most people drive up a Forest Service Road for quicker access, putting them at the beginning of a two-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.—
Adjective
-
The third-year quarterback was brilliant, going 15-of-20 for 206 yards and three touchdowns.—
-
Their effort to find a home in Overtown seemed futile until Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who grew up in Liberty City, conceived a brilliant idea.—
Adjective
-
Development remains a hot-button issue in Florida, where many residents feel that growth is happening too fast and intensely — especially in previously natural or agricultural areas.—
-
The installation of at least 77 400-kW DC fast chargers are planned at Walmart stores in 19 states, according to the retail giant’s website.—
Cite this Entry
“Sharp-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-witted. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share