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

The race sharpened around contrasts in tenure, judgment and political positioning. —Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026

The neighborhood/area Downtown Kansas City has sharpened considerably in the last decade. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

Both sides ultimately agreed to the delay, taking more time to sharpen legal arguments for and against Bonta’s reasons for seeking to compel Rady to keep its Center for Gender Affirming Care open and providing its original offering of services. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Conversations on social media have sharpened these comparisons. —Lavender Au, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 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