as in sharp
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
the sharpened blade of a lawn mower
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 sharpened
Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
If anything, the heightened competition sharpened his focus.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Her next pivot sharpened her commercial instincts.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
From building looks piece by piece in the early days, to introducing womenswear, couture, and a cinematic sense of narrative, Keith has sharpened his process to create full worlds rather than individual outfits.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
But there has to be a point where that has to be sharpened.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 1 Sep. 2025
Focus is sharpened on players who can augment Emery’s squad in the here and now.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
So pricier options that can be sharpened more effectively are a worthwhile long-term investment.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Every detail sharpened, sacred.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
My senses sharpened, my breath slowed, and the chatter in my head went quiet.
—Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
If anything, the heightened competition sharpened his focus.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Her next pivot sharpened her commercial instincts.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
From building looks piece by piece in the early days, to introducing womenswear, couture, and a cinematic sense of narrative, Keith has sharpened his process to create full worlds rather than individual outfits.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
But there has to be a point where that has to be sharpened.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 1 Sep. 2025
Focus is sharpened on players who can augment Emery’s squad in the here and now.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
So pricier options that can be sharpened more effectively are a worthwhile long-term investment.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Every detail sharpened, sacred.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpened
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
Verb
-
As the Spirit flight hovered at 33,000 feet above Long Island and edged closer to Air Force One, the controller’s tone grew increasingly exasperated.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Additionally, their median expectations for the unemployment rate in 2026 slightly decreased, while their forecast for core inflation edged up modestly.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Lily Harrison’s script is laugh-out-loud funny while staying grounded and deeply relatable.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Becoming a plant parent is also grounding, teaches patience, and creates a chance to reclaim ancestral connections to the land.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
An immigration judge has ordered Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Algeria or Syria, according to court documents filed Wednesday.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
After the property sale, Graham started fleecing his mother while transferring money from her New York bank and brokerage accounts into his own checking account in Miami, according to a factual statement filed with his plea agreement.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There is nothing quite like the view from Monterey Bay—jagged coastline and evergreens framing a strip of blue.—
Beth Lew-Williams,
New Yorker,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Visitors will find themselves with jaws agape at the striking jagged mountain peaks, looming glaciers, and slick icebergs, all set to the backdrop of moody, misty weather—this is a photographer’s dream adventure.—
Stefanie Waldek,
AFAR Media,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sharpened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpened. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share