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
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 The world’s second-largest economy continues to face a range of challenges, from job insecurity among the younger generation to sharp downturns in the property sector, once a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth. Hassan Tayir, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
Adverb
The market responded positively to Jones’ partnership, with Bosideng’s share price surging nearly 9 percent last Tuesday, its sharpest climb in three years. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025 Some officials on the Federal Open Market Committee worry further easing could reignite inflation, while others fear keeping policy too tight could tip the economy into a sharper slowdown. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Labubu dolls are a sharp-toothed, monster-like toy that have surged in popularity through TikTok. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has welcomed the push on both sides and has emphasized the competition has kept each quarterback sharp knowing the other is ready. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Glancing around the standing-room-only party, filled with joyful hugs and happy chatter as guests drank spicy margaritas and nibbled on fries in paper cones printed with quotes from the book, a dazed Brown smiled.
    Hadley Meares, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Best said that raw purees of garlic, onion, and ginger are spicy and pungent.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ravnik shared a photo of himself and his partner, Jen Affleck, in the DWTS ballroom during a rehearsal and quoted a pointed Taylor Swift lyric in the post.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The silhouette was simple and clean, with a sharp pointed toe and slender slingback strap wrapping around the ankle.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Or, keep scrolling to see other stylish toiletry bags available from Quince.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Ebern Designs Propane Fire Pit Extend patio season through fall and winter with this stylish fire pit.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But usually the administration official doesn’t fight back in such a biting way.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In New Jersey, creating or sharing deceptive AI media can lead to prison time and fines.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But the first time around, producers relied on deceptive camera angles and some CGI to edit out her pregnancy belly.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Marisol Quilt Crafted from 100% cotton, Pottery Barn’s Marisol Quilt is a smart and stylish bedding option for the fall.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Bagsmart Tech Organizer Nothing feels messier than cords tangled at the bottom of your bag mid-travel day, which is why this smart tech organizer never leaves my suitcase.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Conspiracy theorists claim intelligent aliens might be observing humanity’s weapons capabilities.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With the excitement and delusion of Humbert Humbert imposing a purple-prose narrative on his pedophilic assumptions, Hank speaks of his former student like a James Dean figure — beautiful, brooding and quietly intelligent.
    Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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