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

• 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

Even if a dissenting perspective isn’t correct or better, dissent brings different views to the fore so that they can be debated, and that improves and sharpens arguments, options and outcomes. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025

At the same time, Tesla’s core EV business has faced headwinds in 2025, including large market-cap declines and profitability pressure that have sharpened scrutiny of whether Optimus can deliver commercial returns at scale. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

That step, Jungen insists, was about control — and about sharpening Zurich’s strategic value for filmmakers and studios. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

The appointment comes as the 23-year-old Paris-meets-Tokyo brand is looking to sharpen its creative identity and refocus its global operations. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025

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