Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Astute /əs-to͞ot'/ · As·tute · IPA /əsˈtjuːt/ 01 a. Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty. 1. Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty. Syn. Keen; eagle-eyed; penetrating; skilled; discriminating; cunning; sagacious; subtle; wily; crafty.