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

Summary Executive leadership is inherently high-pressure, with crises initially sharpening focus and vigilance. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The two would meet regularly at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Davis’ West Coast outpost, as Jackson sharpened his A&R skills, and long after. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026

With Pitt’s opener fewer than 20 days away, Pat Narduzzi has an offense to sharpen, position battles to settle, 100-plus bodies to keep healthy … and a wide receiver to keep out of the Monongahela River. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The decision to use hormone therapy should therefore be based on a woman’s overall symptoms, medical history, risks and potential benefits — not simply on a desire to sharpen her memory. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 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