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Definition of sharpnext
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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
The way draperies naturally bunch and undulate is a perfect example of how material or application can contrast the sharp lines. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026 The writing can be rambling, unedited, and niche, or sharp, pristine, and relatable. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
Adverb
In Game 1, Yesavage didn’t have his go-to pitch, a sharp-dropping splitter, which forced him to use his slider more often than he was used to. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Capturing the constellations can be tricky and can often require manual focus to get the stars pinpoint sharp but autofocus can help. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
But surely a guy a sharp as Tenax will see a way to turn this bloodline to his advantage. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 18 July 2024 But without savers and gamblers to profit off of, the gains for sharps are limited. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 25 May 2024
Verb
Thompson was pretty brave for weaving his fingers with Meg's, considering how long and sharp her stiletto manicure is. Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2025 The Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Plain Toe Derby Shoes are $87 off and sharp enough for weddings or work trips. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Squirrels cannot stand this spicy smell and will steer clear of your garden or home.
    Heather Bien, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Pair it with their signature warm nuts drenched in Tap Roots’ homemade spicy maple syrup, which is destined to put the hot honey craze to shame once word gets out.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The post was deleted after other commenters were more pointed in their opprobrium.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2026
  • But with Sleep No More, premiering in Berlin’s Special Midnight section this week, the director makes a headlong plunge into horror — infusing the genre with black comedy and a pointed critique of humanity’s slavish worship of capitalism.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The colorful, detailed drawings span the full cover, quite different from Elizabeth’s minimalistic but stylish approach.
    Jess deCourcy Hinds February 13, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • However, the English Garden has a remarkably roomy and stylish interior that feels more like an apartment than a traditional tiny house.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The sheen of the leather, the oversized round buckle—these flat sandals are inherently elegant and modern without trying to be so.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The Cellini was no doubt an elegant dress watch, though, as Coogler makes clear.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chill Factor Perhaps the most biting statistic of the season so far is the temperature.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Morbidly Jewish finds Raanan at his most biting, acerbic, angry, Jewish, and, as always…loud.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Savings are only on brand names, which can be deceptive when comparing prices.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Novo has so far filed around 130 lawsuits dealing with deceptive marketing practices and consumer fraud, Kuckelman said.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The long-standing challenge of smart fibers For years, researchers have tried to make smart fibers—materials that change shape when exposed to electricity, light, heat, or changes in acidity.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Its intelligent brake and reverse (iBR) system adds specific control when slowing down or maneuvering around objects or when docking, along with different ride modes that let the rider chill (or sharpen) the throttle response depending on conditions.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • On Friday, the company plans to shutter its GPT-4o model — widely considered the most emotionally intelligent on the market, and often used for individuals’ companions.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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