sharpen

verb

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

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 broader policy debate over tax equity, health funding, and the fallout from federal budget changes is expected to sharpen as the measure moves forward. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Even one extra hour, such as from six to seven hours of sleep, can sharpen attention, creativity and decision-making. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 When kindly suburban businesswoman Peg (Dianne West) takes him in, Edward's soft heart and artistic skills win over her family — particularly her teenage daughter (Winona Ryder) — but the very hands that create beauty also stir fear, causing the neighbors to sharpen their pitchforks. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 Not by outsourcing our thinking to technology—but by using technology to establish reputation and sharpen our thinking. Nadav Ziv, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sharpen

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