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

This surge in debt issuance — including less-visible forms of leverage — is sharpening the focus on whether the eventual returns from AI infrastructure can justify the vast sums being spent. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Blind, which follows a writer whose loss of sight sharpens her creative imagination, premiered in Sundance and Berlin. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Learning about the Lake County Community Foundation’s Small Business Growth Initiative, Thompson joined its 2026 fourth cohort in May in an effort to sharpen his business skills with a coach and earn a $25,000 grant to further develop his business. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The easiest way to go about tightlining is to start with a soft pencil eyeliner that is sharpened enough not to risk scratching you, but gel or liquid eyeliner also works. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026