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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acute contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

In what contexts can keen take the place of acute?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

When could sharp be used to replace acute?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

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 acute The acute phase is the most noticeable, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025 But in some markets, especially in popular cities where the housing shortage remains acute, this phenomenon has not taken place. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 That has meant companies have less pricing power, so the tariff impact has been less acute. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 Hulk, whose real name was Terrence Gene Bollea, died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, on July 24. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
  • Formulated without alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, the TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse uses glucose oxidase and enzymes called papain to help break up stains and kill bad-breath-causing bacteria—all without aggravating sensitive teeth and gums.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Organizations are increasingly relying on AI to handle the initial assessment load, especially in high-volume or compliance-sensitive hiring scenarios.
    Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Poland has said that Russian drones attempted to violate its airspace again, only days after another encroachment prompted Warsaw to call on NATO to hold urgent security talks.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The need that fluoridated water was meant to address, critics say, isn’t as urgent.
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This blaze is intense enough that firefighters used water lines to moisten the soil around trees and wrapped their trunks with fire-resistant foil blankets.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
  • From time to time, there’s still an intense demand for anything connected to the Fab Four, and countless films, books, and albums have been issued in the decades since the musicians split.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So far, no travel plans have been made, but several analysts expect Xi to repeat his offer, especially knowing that Trump is always keen to be received with diplomatic fanfare.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Vultures possess a keen sense of smell which is unique to the species and explains why they are drawn to dead animals.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement The flurry of updates came three days after Robinson was arrested following an intensive hunt for Kirk's killer.
    Richard Hall, Time, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Doing this requires massive system level integration and is resource intensive.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, a quick review of the central bank’s dot plot underscores just how divided the Fed Governors are on the question of whether to cut interest rates (and by how much) over the next 12 months.
    Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Changing your own wipers is quick and easy.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Starring Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a single mother whose genius-level IQ lands her a consulting role with the LAPD, the series blends sharp humor with high-stakes investigations.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Slices of lusciously marbled brisket have a sharp, peppery bark, and the pork ribs are tinged pink with smoke straight down to the bone.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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