1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
dogs, with their acute sense of smell, are used for finding toxic substances undetectable by humans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
famine caused by an acute shortage of grain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
experiencing acute distress over the misunderstanding with her best friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acute
Those with acute medical concerns increased to 4,316 in June 2025, up from the previous 3,288.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Pets fit within a broader national caregiving crisis Pet care may not be the most acute need among many families caring for children with special needs and aging parents with health issues.
—Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
In certain subcategories — groceries, health care, housing — voters report acute distress.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
The concern over a mass-casualty event in the Old City is particularly acute given the area’s density and the difficulty of deploying first responders in such an incident.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Pets fit within a broader national caregiving crisis Pet care may not be the most acute need among many families caring for children with special needs and aging parents with health issues.
—Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
In certain subcategories — groceries, health care, housing — voters report acute distress.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
The concern over a mass-casualty event in the Old City is particularly acute given the area’s density and the difficulty of deploying first responders in such an incident.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
This wasn’t surprising, given that intelligence agencies compartmentalize information about sensitive operations.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
It is well understood in the region that could mean things like broad targeting of sensitive and highly vulnerable energy installations, something Iran has already threatened, essential for the regional and global economies, as well as hard to quickly repair and rebuild.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Pundits say the public is too divided, the issues too technical, and the competition with China too urgent for democracy.—
Justin Rosenstein,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Decisions move farther from classrooms, reforms take longer to implement and urgent problems become administrative processes.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In an unexpected move, OpenAI announced its video generating service Sora will be shutting down soon as the company comes under intense pressure from rival Anthropic.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
David’s view The voters most keen to talk with political reporters are, typically, extremely engaged in politics.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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But Ikea forecasts even faster expansion, expecting the market to hit $48 billion by 2030 — momentum the company is keen to capture.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These are the military's most elite forces, who have undergone intensive physical and technical training for this type of mission.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Radar works in these conditions but is power-intensive for small drones.—
Nitin Sanket,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The strikes temporarily disrupted the spacecraft’s electrical systems, but quick action by mission control kept the mission on track.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Hours were spent on Zoom calls with Garden (based in England) poring over match film on Wyscout, Olsson quick to point out the flaws and areas of improvement and Garden quicker to point out the strengths.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing except getting into fierce arguments with fellow-Jews, some would say, which Olitzky—who has a round, boyish face and a conciliatory manner—portrayed as a privilege rather than a burden.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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With one-of-a-kind offerings from the likes of Inglenook, Crocker & Starr, Amici Cellars, Peju, Long Meadow Ranch, and a collaboration between Dakota Shy and Detert Family Vineyards, bidding was fierce on Cabernet Franc.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The first was a gentle bell curve; the second was a jagged line, with two sharp peaks—one on the left, the other on the right.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The 5-foot-9 rookie infielder looks like a special hitter with sharp instincts on the basepaths.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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