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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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 sharpen The decision to use hormone therapy should therefore be based on a woman’s overall symptoms, medical history, risks and potential benefits — not simply on a desire to sharpen her memory. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026 While Super Zoom does sharpen things up, the results may be more math than photo. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 The expert becomes the manager of an artificial team, reviewing, redirecting, correcting, and sharpening outputs at speed. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 The interests of the United States and its partners still run together, and that logic has sharpened as China’s power and the alignment of its fellow revisionists have grown. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen

Verb

The intricacies of the interpersonal dynamics and conversational turns in the scene ground the dispute in emotion, and two characters who were once at odds find common ground.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Kruz and Josie catch the guy’s eye on the dance floor and invite him to join their impromptu grinding session, which is also when Joe catches the pair touching in a way that suggests relationship-level familiarity.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

While Rahma has learned how to steer his subway debates towards viral moments, the editing process has required the team to hone a knack for finding the story within otherwise chaotic conversations.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
The action star has been honing his tough, stoic hero bit for going on 25 years.

— Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hone

Verb

Organizers have shared a partial list of vendors, to whet the public’s appetite.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Like anticipation for an upcoming summer blockbuster movie, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll whets the appetite for college football fans ahead of the teams returning to the field.

— Erick Smith, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of whet

Browse Nearby Words

sharped

sharpen

sharpened

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Style

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpen

verb

Example Sentences

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