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

Many nights, MacArthur turned to these books, often choosing challenging texts to sharpen his mind; light-hearted fiction was conspicuously absent. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

But a decade later, as streamers rely increasingly on acquisitions, co-financing and bundling, producers and distributors — far from becoming obsolete — have had to sharpen their dealmaking skills. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

The Moon moves through practical Virgo, sharpening our eye for details, routines, and the small choices that make life easier. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Israel’s first election since the attack is sharpening anger over security failures and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while public discussion largely overlooks Palestinian civilians’ lives. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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