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

That’s why Parsons sharpened its 2026 BFA show Sunday, by making access more exclusive, downsizing from 263 participants last year to 31. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026

The hardest environments can become the proving ground where people develop resilience, sharpen their skills, and learn to overcome self-doubt. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026

If anything, this transit sharpens our ability to read between the lines, connect dots and uncover information that presents a certain kind of advantage. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

As usual, the music feels like a church revival crossed with a classic R&B revue, sharpened by the social commentary of his beloved reggae and hip-hop. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 18 May 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