Synonyms of sharpen

sharpen

verb

ˈshär-pən 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grind
• hone
• whet
• stone
• edge
• file
• strop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dull
• blunt
• polish
• round
• smooth
• gloss
• burnish
• buff

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sharpen

Each tool sharpened one department, and the work still crawled between them, because nobody was ever asked to own the crawling. — Krupesh Bhat, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Brent crude climbed back above $90 a barrel and gasoline stayed over $4 a gallon all month, deepening inflation pressures and sharpening expectations the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again. — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

These prescription stimulants can sharpen focus by prompting the brain to release more neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

The Sun conjoins Mercury in Virgo and your 1st House of Self, sharpening your voice, presence, choices, and personal direction. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026