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

As climate threats sharpen, Tropical Audubon connects dots between wildlife protection and human resilience — because aquifers, mangroves, and migratory pathways are all part of one system. —Emily Bramhall, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025

Your third house is ruled by Aries, which pulls you toward local outings that energize your body and sharpen your focus. —Colin Bedell, Them., 17 Nov. 2025

With both nations sharpening their squads ahead of the global tournament, this matchup offers a valuable test for two sides trending in very different directions. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

The flurries stopped, the crowds melted away, and visibility sharpened under huge floodlights that lit up the slope like a Christmas tree. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 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