sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-niŋ
Synonyms of sharpennext

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper
especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper
sharpener
ˈshär-pə-nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-nər
noun

Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Can you sharpen the image? The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic. The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Under her leadership, the foundation has sharpened its focus on transition into employment and entrepreneurship, using the scale of a major bank to translate corporate resources into measurable social mobility. Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Microscopic bits of flint are still stuck within the bone’s impact marks, evidence of a tool that had been used time and again to sharpen stone blades. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026 Vance understood the importance of his role for a cast still early in their careers, and working alongside younger actors has sharpened his sense of leadership on set. Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026 Iranian leaders have accused Washington of interference, raising concerns among rights advocates that Americans held in Iran could be used as leverage as tensions sharpen. Camilla Schick, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sharpen was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb
sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
1
: to make or become sharp or sharper
sharpen a pencil
a better lens sharpened the image
pain that suddenly sharpened
2
: improve
sharpen one's skills
sharpener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sharpen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!