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

And The Agentic Economy From demand forecasting and assortment planning to pricing, recommendations and inventory optimization, AI is accelerating and sharpening decision-making across the aftermarket. — Anan Bishara, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Since Nu Jazz’s debut, the band’s attention to dynamics has already sharpened. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

For tactics are not tricks concealed, But wisdom sharpened on the field. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Skubal’s energy and edge are tools, sharpened over the years and ready to deploy against slights real or invented. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 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