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 novel balances tonal complexity with unusual skill, using humor to sharpen rather than soften its moral intelligence. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

As your perceptive nature sharpens, teach through example by admitting your mistakes, then fixing them. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

Jeff Beasley, a fifth-generation oyster farmer and owner of Maggioni Oyster Company, emphasizes using knives designed specifically for shucking, not sharpened kitchen knives or improvised tools. —Rai Mincey, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Strong verbs sharpen a sentence. —Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 10 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