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

Danielle Cendejas, a political strategist with experience helping politicians with Bay Area races, told this news organization that both Wahab and Hernandez will have to sharpen their communication with voters through the next two elections. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

The Iran war has added fresh urgency to the PIF’s need to sharpen its focus on projects and sectors that are expected to drive returns. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 23 June 2026

These brief activity breaks — also known as exercise snacks — not only fight the effects of sitting still for too long but also have been shown to improve blood flow, protect your heart and sharpen your focus. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

But events in students’ lifetimes also played a role in sharpening their opinions. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 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