Synonyms for acumen
əˈkyu mən, ˈæk yə-acu·men

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. acumennoun

   Synonyms:
   penetration, intelligence, wit, keenness, foxiness, acuteness, sharpness, acuity, canniness, shrewdness

2. acumennoun

   quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination

   Synonyms:
   acuteness, canniness, shrewdness, keenness, penetration, acuity, sharpness, foxiness, wit, intelligence

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.3 / 3 votes

1. acumen

   Sharpness, acuteness, and insight, however keen, and penetration, however deep, fall short of the meaning of acumen, which implies also ability to use these qualities to advantage. There are persons of keen insight and great penetration to whom these powers are practically useless. Acumen is sharpness to some purpose, and belongs to a mind that is comprehensive as well as keen. Cleverness is a practical aptitude for study or learning. Insight and discernment are applied oftenest to the judgment of character; penetration and perspicacity to other subjects of knowledge. Sagacity is an uncultured skill in using quick perceptions for a desired end, generally in practical affairs; acumen may increase with study, and applies to the most erudite matters. Shrewdness is keenness or sagacity, often with a somewhat evil bias, as ready to take advantage of duller intellects. Perspicacity is the power to see clearly through that which is difficult or involved. We speak of the acuteness of an observer or a reasoner, the insight and discernment of a student, a clergyman, or a merchant, the sagacity of a hound, the keenness of a debater, the shrewdness of a usurer, the penetration, perspicacity, and acumen of a philosopher.

   Synonyms:
   acuteness, cleverness, discernment, insight, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, sagacity, sharpness, shrewdness

   Antonyms:
   bluntness, dulness, obtuseness, stupidity

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.0 / 1 vote

1. acumen

   Synonyms:
   point, penetrativeness, sharpness, discernment, talent, sagacity

   Antonyms:
   bluntness, obtuseness, stupidity, dulness, indiscernment, hebetude

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. acumennoun

   a tapering point

   Synonyms:
   insightfulness

2. insightfulness, acumennoun

   shrewdness shown by keen insight

   Synonyms:
   insightfulness

Matched Categories

1. • Plant Process
   • Shrewdness

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. acumennoun

   Synonyms:
   acuteness, shrewdness, sagacity, astuteness, sharpness, ingenuity, perspicacity, discernment, penetration, mother-wit, quick parts

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. acumennoun

   Synonyms:
   astuteness, shrewdness, discernment, sharpness

   Antonyms:
   dullness, stupidity, short-sightedness

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "acumen":

   perspicacity, sagacity, insight, acuity, wisdom, finesse, sharpness, flair, clear-sightedness

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How to use acumen in a sentence?

1. Bart Chilton:

   Secretary Clinton will be well served by his financial and strategic acumen, i know he's deeply committed to the Secretary, and to her public policy agenda.

2. Wei Peiran:

   There is no doubt that it's going to be a boom for China in terms of philanthropy. These people have the business acumen and they know how to deal with the government ... They have proved themselves in terms of getting things done.

3. Kenneth Gross:

   He's making money off the campaign, presumably, as profit for these companies that are servicing the campaign, whether it's a vineyard, you know, selling wine to the campaign, or whether it's hotels, or selling space at Mar-a-Lago, or the airline, now he may promote that as part of his business acumen: ‘Look, I'm a candidate plus I'm making money.’ But that can come back to haunt, as well; I mean, you know, people may say, ‘Wait a minute, it looks like too much self-dealing here.’.

4. Ashima:

   I will rather keep quiet than degrading mental acumen by engaging in discussion with mindless creatures!

5. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer:

   His character and fundamental decency are at the core of why he's been such a successful and beloved leader. He's so respected by our caucus for his strength, his legislative acumen, his honesty and his determination. He has left a major mark on this body, this country, and on so many who have met him, gotten to know him, and love him.