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

This sharpens the focus on customer outcomes and transforms vague ideas into concrete solutions. —Jaime Vallés, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

When Mercury enters your sign on June 26, your ability to communicate your needs and boundaries sharpens. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

There are a lot of moving parts at PVH, which is taking back its North American wholesale licenses from G-III Apparel Group, working out the kinks in Calvin Klein’s new global product kitchen, sharpening its inventory approach, and working to sync up product innovation with big-time marketing. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 1 July 2025

On July 10th, the Capricorn full moon lands in your communication zone, sharpening your inner voice. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 June 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