SHARPEN Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

sharpen

verb

ˈshär-pən

Definition of sharpen

as in to grind

to make sharp or sharper you need to sharpen your penknife's blade frequently in order to be able to whittle properly

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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 sharpen The new law neutralized the first argument but may have sharpened the second. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 9 July 2026 The timing of the recording reflects a band whose relentless touring had sharpened both its confidence and its new material. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 July 2026 Those trips have widened his worldview and sharpened his sense of responsibility. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 Europe’s strategic periphery is not only integral to European security but is actively deepening transatlantic tensions and sharpening intra-European divisions. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen

Verb

With more and more families settling in cities in the second half of the 19th century, camps gave kids a refuge from the oppressive heat, rancid smells and grinding noise of summer in the city.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026
If Ryan McMahon really did revive their season with that grinding 12-pitch at bat against Yankee-killing Rays ace Drew Rasmussen last Thursday, what can Brian Cashman do to sufficiently fix the roster for a deep postseason run?

— Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

An important place for young people to hone their skills from across the country and without socio-economic exemption.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026
Andrews, who won her nomination last month, has had time to build her general election campaign financially and hone her messaging.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

Definition of hone

Verb

One section tracks the influence of the Alhambra complex, in Granada, where artists trekked to whet their appetites for the exotic.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Ahead of the show’s release, FX has planned ice cream trucks themed to each previous season at San Diego Comic-Con to whet fans’ appetite.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of whet

Browse Nearby Words

sharped

sharpen

sharpened

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“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpen

verb

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