sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ 

ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper

especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper

sharpener

ˈshär-pə-nər 

ˈshärp-nər

noun

Synonyms of sharpen

• grind
• hone
• whet
• stone

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

While country storytelling shaped her structure, Swift said emo and pop-punk music sharpened her lyrical instincts. —Bryan West, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Pairing core teams with independent talent and interim leaders to sharpen execution and reduce risk is becoming a strong option, the report finds. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

As the Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, quiet preparation sharpens your thinking. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026

The series is inviting TV Academy and guild voters to have their knives sharpened for free at the Studio City Farmers Market on May 3rd. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Rhymes for sharpen

• tarpon
• pilocarpine

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ 

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

ˈshärp-(ə-)nər 

noun