sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-niŋ
Synonyms of sharpennext

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper
especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper
sharpener
ˈshär-pə-nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-nər
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dynamic Sun steps into your 10th House of Career and Status, sharpening your voice and public presence. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026 The hope is that Hulka’s professional management will help sharpen the association’s operations, financial controls, and legal and compliance oversight. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 Stepping into the world of Formula One recently, the scale of precision working alongside some of the absolute greats sharpens you. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 That said, the swing of dozens of seats has become increasingly difficult as the number of competitive districts has declined and political divisions have sharpened. Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sharpen was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb
sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
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 noun

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