sharpen

1 of 2

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

sharpener

2 of 2

noun

sharp·​en·​er ˈshärp(ə)nər 

ˈshȧp(ə)nə(r

plural -s

: one that sharpens something (such as tools or gears): such as

a

: pencil sharpener

b

: one that sharpens the saws of linter machines

Synonyms of sharpen

Verb

• grind
• hone
• whet
• stone

Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

By the time Phaedra’s birthday dinner rolls around, the sound of Porsha sharpening her knives reaches its height. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

The 55-year-old star of The Odyssey (in theaters now), Christopher Nolan‘s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem, says in his PEOPLE cover story interview that his priorities have sharpened upon celebrating a milestone birthday. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Put the three crises side by side and the picture sharpens further. — Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Switzerland could do with sharpening their set-piece routines. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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