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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 former president's endorsement process has evolved from haphazard to sharp and effective, rendering all other endorsements all but obsolete. Kaleigh Rogers, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2024 That included everything from off-center parts at Simone Rocha to sharp, contrasting textures at KNWLS. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Sep. 2023
Adverb
However, big gains can follow sharp reversals – but how has MU behaved after prior drops? Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Laura Burdese, deputy CEO, Bulgari A bubbly personality and sparkling energy coupled with sharp business acumen define Burdese, who makes a case of the (too) few women executives sitting at the top of international luxury companies. Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Scientists at Museums Victoria’s Research Institute say the discovery offers a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of baleen whale evolution, showing the family’s roots in active, sharp-toothed predators. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025 The parasol with a PVC stand (butt sawed sharp for jamming into soft ground) was already stowed in Sean’s car from his previous outing. Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024
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
  • For a little bit of spicy kick, make the pimiento cheese with pepper Jack instead of Cheddar.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The star, of course, is ginger root oil—its warm, spicy aroma is blended with cardamom, clove, and coriander, plus a hit of citrus oils (lime, orange, bergamot, grapefruit) and eucalyptus for an energizing, feel-good scent.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anderson continued the black color motif with her strappy slingback, pointed-toe heels.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The flare bottom is also fun to pair with a pointed-toe heel that’ll peep out.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag Looking stylish for work doesn’t have to mean compromising on function.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thankfully, Amazon has plenty of stylish wrinkle-free tops that won’t get creased on the way to your destination.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rows and rows of spacious houses with yards, everything new, tidy as can be imagined, with elegant transportation to and from the workplace right there—all for working people.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Posing next to Colman Domingo and Salma Hayek Pinault (who wore an elegant black Balenciaga suit dress), Moore’s glitzy look shone.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters have this sharp, biting, British humor.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • There’s Bud the biting cat, played by a feline named Tonic and who deserves a three-picture deal.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Agencies would review requests, balancing innovation against risks such as economic harm or deceptive practices.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • There will be a temptation because of his height to draw parallels with Moyes’ use of Marouane Fellaini and Soucek, two key pillars of his Everton and West Ham sides, but where Rohl is concerned, his size can be deceptive.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • See our review The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don’t expect more power The six-figure 2025 Lexus LX Hybrid takes full-size luxury to new heights.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, when used thoughtfully, AI can be not only a governance tool but also a catalyst for a more intelligent, inclusive and resilient corporate future.
    Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Now there’s a new high-tech member of that team ready to weigh in on just what Ralph Lauren fashion is as Ask Ralph relaunches Tuesday as an artificially intelligent shopping experience on the brand’s app.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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