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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acute contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

In what contexts can keen take the place of acute?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

When could sharp be used to replace acute?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of acute In October 2006, Acutis fell ill and was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Brain rot is an acute rejection of the intense pressures on young people to self-optimize. Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 In the following weeks, other healthy infants experienced acute respiratory failure or cardiac arrest without a clear medical cause, and two neonatologists made a judicial complaint that prompted a formal probe, per the outlet. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 China’s auto industry suffers from acute overproduction. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
  • The automaker is the latest British company to be hit by a cybersecurity incident in recent months amid a surge in cyber and ransomware attacks globally, as increasingly sophisticated threat actors disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data.
    Pushkala Aripaka, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Stress has been building at the long-end of the yield curve, where investors are most sensitive to fiscal credibility.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conversations about gun violence in Chicago can no longer focus solely on homicide and must be expanded to also integrate urgent matters of suicide prevention.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This highlights the urgent need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a more balanced, sustainable work culture.
    Clare Miller, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Both require intense concentration, in order to be any good, and diligent practice, and both make use of imagination—which in tennis takes the form of anticipation—and creativity.
    Thomas Swick September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shi seemed confident that Strand Larsen, who was keen to join Newcastle United before the deadline, will knuckle down despite Wolves rejecting two bids.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This is not the 21st-century China that the state is keen to project in films that play abroad — and these characters are not model 21st-century Chinese, either.
    Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zack recently completed five weeks of intensive training with his handler, Deputy Trisha List.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Measles, for example, was eliminated in the US in 2000 through intensive vaccination.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here is a quick tour through recent vision tech, with examples of prescription eyeglasses tailored to specific uses.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Fessceruna 3-Piece Loungewear Set Fessceruna’s three-piece loungewear set is perfect for cozying up at home on the couch, running quick errands, and enduring long travel days.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In August, the discontent grew when a leak showed that the White House's forthcoming MAHA strategy report would sidestep tougher limits on pesticides and other agrochemicals, bowing to fierce industry pressure.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a sharp spike in job cuts during August, new data shows, as employers shed staff due to a worsening economic picture.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Analysts Craig Moffett’s rating change follows a sharp rally for the tech giant.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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