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

In Paris, Kering’s new chief executive officer Luca de Meo is going the other way and sharpening the focus, cutting a 4-billion-euro deal to sell its beauty business to L’Oréal while putting a longer timeline on any deal to buy the rest of Valentino. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

My human thoughts dimmed, my animal senses sharpened. —AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025

The stalks are drenched in a garlic-and-anchovy vinaigrette sharpened with vinegar and mellowed with extra-virgin olive oil. —Katie Parla, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025

Dialing up that Corsa setting makes maximum engine boost available on demand, sharpens the throttle, firms the suspension, and throws active exhaust valves open at all times. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025

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