Synonyms of keen
1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
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Relevance
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2
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
the keen wind gave me chapped lips
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3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
lanced the boil with a keen scalpel
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4
as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind
readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical
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5
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that new digital camera sure is keen
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6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry
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7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else
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as in wail
a crying out in grief
the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city
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1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid
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1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the keenness of the knife should tell you that it was sharpened recently a writer famous for the keenness of her wit
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2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest
was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster
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3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued
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4
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
there's an enhanced keenness of hearing that young mothers seem to develop
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keen
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Taking cues from customer interest, viral trends, and breakthrough new arrivals, retail experts have developed a keen eye for what’ll be the next big thing.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023
For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant.
—Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023
Emily Lordi Philip Cheung, New York Times, 10 May 2024
The score’s main theme feels, above all, like a progression—a steady movement from melody to dissonance, from keening violins to ominous cellos, from pastoral splendor to something more sinister and unresolved.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for keen
Adjective
The wedding is just one month away, and the OP is keen to bail.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Taking cues from customer interest, viral trends, and breakthrough new arrivals, retail experts have developed a keen eye for what’ll be the next big thing.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
For those keen to explore the country deeper and differently, Vinho Verde awaits.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023
For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant.
—Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023
Verb
He’s been lauded for sounding like a vestige of another age — his supple, keening tenor the result of years of apprenticeship to the Pakistani artists Ustad Saami and Farida Khanum.
—Emily Lordi Philip Cheung, New York Times, 10 May 2024
The score’s main theme feels, above all, like a progression—a steady movement from melody to dissonance, from keening violins to ominous cellos, from pastoral splendor to something more sinister and unresolved.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for keen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
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The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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With uneasiness surrounding reports of electronic searches during border crossings, some travelers have opted to use burner phones—rather than bring their personal phones with them—to protect sensitive information.—
Iona Brannon,
AFAR Media,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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During the taping of a recent Netflix special, Kyle Dunnigan impersonated Musk onstage in a biting parody—the audience laughed, but Rogan sat mostly silent, avoiding eye contact, appearing unwilling to signal disloyalty to the tech mogul.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
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Its biting satire is complimented by engaging mechanics like the stratagems.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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This can be done through quick surveys or tracking specific performance data, such as time to release, volume of code review comments or bug rates.—
Yuri Gubin,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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At a minimum, professionals are looking for dependable inventory, top-quality and professional-grade equipment, effortless trade-ins, excellent customer service and reliable and fast repairs.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2025
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He’s been excellent in dealing with traffic, as the Golden Knights put more bodies in front of him on Tuesday than pretty much the first four games.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Asked about plans for a parade, Army spokesman Steve Warren said Thursday that no final decisions have been made. Col. Dave Butler, another Army spokesman, added that the Army is excited about the plans for its anniversary.—
Lolita C. Baldor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
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And for toddlers who aren’t always amendable to sitting down at the dinner table, anything that might help them get excited about mealtimes is going to be a win for parents, too.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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During a ski vacation in the seventh episode, Ginny complains that Nick is not being fully present with her friends.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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One Truist customer complained on DownDetector that their rent payment has been pending since Thursday evening.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The crowd of 60 howled through most of the evening.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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The girl howled, writhing in a dark puddle on the ground.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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