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

Scallop crudo, a wedge salad piled with jumbo lump crab and sharpened with wasabi dressing, and a lobster roll with saffron coleslaw sit comfortably alongside American classics like a double cheeseburger and fries. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Mayberry sharpened her songwriting through years of sessions, seeking a more vivid storytelling approach and a broader vocal palette. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Research on digestion could sharpen the picture The early evidence on sourdough and digestion is promising, but researchers say human results are still mixed because the effect can depend on the flour, the starter and how long the dough ferments. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Ruby is also built on 30 years of Elevate Air aviation data, with every booking sharpening its algorithm. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 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