Definition of acutenext
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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 Many who sought medical attention suffered from rapidly evolving acute liver injury and liver failure. Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026 For Hispanic entrepreneurs, many of whom are first-generation business owners, immigrants, or sole proprietors, this risk is especially acute. Julio Fuentes, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 Of particular concern for older people is an acute, complex and dangerous condition called delirium, Koepp said. Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Many who sought medical attention suffered from rapidly evolving acute liver injury and liver failure. CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
  • The new revelations include documents suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The new revelations include documents suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Griffiths and Smith meet on Zoom, spending the first 15 to 20 minutes talking through current challenges, followed by a 30- to 40-minute hypnotherapy session to specifically target her urgent issues.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The family's latest message as the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie enters its eighth day.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Many Olympians—Nordic skiers, for instance—pay a lot of attention to a measure called their VO2 max—the highest volume of oxygen your body can consume and use during a minute of intense exercise.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Valentine’s Day in a first teen relationship should feel simple, sweet, and age-appropriate, not intense or pressured.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But being the first to break through the status quo hasn’t always sat comfortably with Edwards, who is keen to be credited not only for the color of her skin but also for her athletic ability.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Outside of punter, the Panthers have been pretty keen on adding players who are just entering their prime.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Members provide intensive mentoring, conflict mediation, case management, and connections to job training and mental health services to people at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But, for those looking for a slightly less intensive experience, the semi-serious murder party—which tends to take place, and to wrap up, during one dinner—has come roaring back in popularity.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Use citrus peels or baking soda with vinegar for a quick and natural way to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal effectively.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Trump’s response to this has been to float policies that promise a quick hit of relief.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Kam and O'Shea exceeded all expectations with a performance characterized by spectacular lifts and fierce musicality.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Then, in the middle of a fierce snowstorm, a skinny little girl and her dog show up at the resort.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That's partly correlation -- healthier people are more likely to work than sicker people -- but staying in the workplace can also help people stay sharp, according to Debra Whitman, chief public policy officer for AARP.
    Paige Winfield Cunningham The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The tension in a luge sled allows athletes to manipulate it just so, digging in the runners and steering with sharp precision around curves.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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