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

Now, the young core sharpens its claws for knockout football. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, the sun sheds light on responsibility and reputation, while Mercury sharpens conversations around commitments, boundaries and long-term plans. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

At the same time, a currency collapsing under international sanctions, water shortages and recurring power outages have sharpened a sense of crisis across the country. —Roxana Saberi, Time, 9 Jan. 2026

These blends typically feature invigorating notes like eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, cypress, and cardamom to help sharpen focus and wake up the senses. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 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