sharp 1 of 4

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Staying sharp for signs? Usa Today, USA Today, 13 June 2025 The men’s presence was a reminder that the Trump administration is emboldened to continue its aggressive approach to deportations, and not backing down despite sharp criticism, waves of volunteers watching over court hearings and protests against immigration arrests across the state. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Adverb
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Noun
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024 But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
President Barack Obama agreed to sharp spending curbs that only recently expired. Matthew Brown, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023 That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks. Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Both of our children were a week past their due dates...so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work - there was only one thing left to do!
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Some Asian ingredients include spicy xo sauce, Japanese snow crab and A5 Miyazaki Gyu, a top-grade Japanese wagyu beef.
    Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Joey didn’t stop there, mocking Vaughn’s relationship with Lamar with particularly pointed bars.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2025
  • His glasses were fogged up, tilted at an angle across the pointed frame of his nose.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a community so focused on performance gear, there was a surprising lack of quality—and stylish—womenswear.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Our destination was Cuyama Buckhorn, a roadside motel that in recent years has been made over into a stylish resort with vintage flourishes, such as bocce courts and firepits ideal for roasting s’mores.
    David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.
    Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • Fey’s writing usually has a reputation of being more on the biting or sardonic side, but The Four Seasons trades out the eye rolls for loving looks (mostly).
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Payment providers can face significant card brand penalties if they are found to facilitate deceptive behavior.
    Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Don't fall prey to deceptive marketing language and inflated MSRP prices—our tips only take a few moments.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, waving the flag of a foreign country isn’t prideful, or politically smart in the least.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • With the longer battery life, lighter design and smart safety features, this jetpack is definitely for anyone looking to make their underwater adventures more exciting.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 1950 the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi was discussing the possibility of intelligent alien life with his colleagues.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Second, a human must be kept in the loop of intelligent machine decision-making processes.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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