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Definitions

savvy

[sav-ee] / ˈsæv i /
ADJECTIVE
shrewd
Synonyms
STRONG
acute calculating cunning discerning experienced keen knowing sharp slick smart smooth wise
WEAK
astute brainy cagey canny clever crafty farsighted foxy heady in the know ingenious intelligent judicious on the ball perceptive sagacious sensible sly streetwise
Antonyms
STRONG
blunt coarse dull ignorant inexperienced kind naive obtuse rough slow stupid unclever unintelligent unstylish
NOUN
shrewdness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acumen awareness insight intellect intelligence judgment know-how knowledge sense
STRONG
comprehension discernment experience grasp grip knowing mastery perception perceptiveness sharpness smarts understanding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability ineptness stupidity
STRONG
misconception misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding release

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for savvy?
Savvy is most commonly used as an adjective to describe a person who’s generally knowledgeable, experienced, and well-informed. Synonyms that capture these same qualities are shrewd, astute, and canny. These terms often suggest that a person is generally intelligent and knows how to handle different situations, especially practical matters—that they’re discerning and have good judgment. Savvy can also be used as a noun referring to general shrewdness and common sense. Synonyms for this sense include acumen and know-how. The word savviness can mean the same thing. Sometimes, savvy is used in combination with other words that indicate the specific area in which someone is knowledgeable or experienced, such as tech-savvy and computer-savvy. Savvy is also sometimes used as a slang term at the end of a sentence, essentially as a way of saying Do you understand? Other ways of saying this are Capiche? (or Capeesh?), Understood? (or Understand?), and Got it?
What is the difference between astute and savvy?
Savvy and astute are close synonyms, and both can be applied to people and to comments, observations, decisions, etc. Calling a comment or observation astute often implies that it’s insightful. Calling a comment or observation savvy often implies that it’s wise and based on a depth of knowledge and experience.
Is it savy or savvy?
It’s spelled savvy, with two v’s. You can remember this by remembering that it doesn’t rhyme with navy or wavy or gravy, which all have one v.
What is the opposite (antonym) of savvy?
Savvy suggests knowledge, experience, and common sense. Words that capture the opposite of this include naive, ignorant, and obtuse. A more informal term is clueless. Calling someone savvy is a compliment. Using any of these terms to describe someone would be insulting.
How do you use savvy in a sentence?
Savvy is often applied to people or their comments, decisions, etc. It’s most commonly used as an adjective, and sometimes it’s paired with another word. It can also be used as a noun. Here are some examples of savvy in a sentence:
  • Our users are savvy—they know how it should work and they’ll certainly let us know when it doesn’t.
  • It was a savvy decision that demonstrated her depth of experience.
  • He had no business savvy at all—he lost money on every deal he ever made.
  • I knew he’d be great at game design since he’s always been so tech-savvy.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I think they are playing the long game,” Salemi said, “and I think that’s the really savvy move.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Still, she praised Hellerstein as a "very smart and savvy" courtroom operator.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Instead of bludgeoning opponents with power, the 5-foot-7 Pegula beats them with savvy, steadiness and tactical variety.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

The timing was also savvy, exactly what you’d expect from the man who in 2024, as National Republicans Senatorial Committee chairman, delivered Mr. Trump a Republican Senate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

They had been genteel, efficient, and not terribly savvy.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.