sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ 

ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper

especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper

sharpener

ˈshär-pə-nər 

ˈshärp-nər

noun

Synonyms

• edge
• grind
• hone
• stone
• strop
• whet

Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Can you sharpen the image?

The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic.

The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Players slid into second with their spikes high (and sometimes even sharpened). —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025

Not just to sharpen his routes but to sharpen his message. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 3 June 2025

For the organizations willing to sharpen their focus and optimize with discipline, this moment becomes a springboard for market leadership. —Craig Dempster, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Orlando Sentinel Unbeaten Harmony senior (49-0) is Sentinel Varsity Boys Wrestler of the Year Hard workouts with former state champ teammate Shawn McAllister helped Harmony’s Nathan Lyttle sharpen his skills and win his own state title in 2025. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Rhymes for sharpen

• tarpon
• pilocarpine

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become sharp or sharper

sharpen a pencil

a better lens sharpened the image

pain that suddenly sharpened

2

: improve

sharpen one's skills

sharpener

ˈshärp-(ə-)nər 

noun