sharp·en·er
ˈshärp(ə)nər 
ˈshȧp(ə)nə(r
plural -s
: one that sharpens something (such as tools or gears): such as
a
b
: one that sharpens the saws of linter machines
Examples of sharpen in a Sentence
Verb
Can you sharpen the image?
The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic.
The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chandrahas Choudhury,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 July 2026
The understanding with Mbappe, always lightning quick to make his move, only sharpens the most dangerous connection at the World Cup.
—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Washington’s scrutiny has sharpened in recent weeks, with federal officials intervening in model releases on national-security grounds and state attorneys general opening investigations.
—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Put another way, salt sharpens the tomato-y-ness of a tomato.
—
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for sharpen
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Verb
Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes.
—
Chandrahas Choudhury,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 July 2026
The understanding with Mbappe, always lightning quick to make his move, only sharpens the most dangerous connection at the World Cup.
—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Washington’s scrutiny has sharpened in recent weeks, with federal officials intervening in model releases on national-security grounds and state attorneys general opening investigations.
—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Put another way, salt sharpens the tomato-y-ness of a tomato.
—
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for sharpen
Cite this Entry
“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sharpen
verb
sharp·en
ˈshär-pən
sharpened; sharpening
ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to make or become sharp or sharper
sharpen a pencil
a better lens sharpened the image
pain that suddenly sharpened
2
: improve
sharpen one's skills
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