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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
The world’s second-largest economy continues to face a range of challenges, from job insecurity among the younger generation to sharp downturns in the property sector, once a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth. Hassan Tayir, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 The former president's endorsement process has evolved from haphazard to sharp and effective, rendering all other endorsements all but obsolete. Kaleigh Rogers, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2024
Adverb
Avoid putting anything sharp on the table that could scratch the glass. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025 His navy wool Balmain blazer set the tone for sharp refinement, paired with Margiela pants and Louboutin shoes for a sleek, modern edge. Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has welcomed the push on both sides and has emphasized the competition has kept each quarterback sharp knowing the other is ready. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025 Scientists at Museums Victoria’s Research Institute say the discovery offers a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of baleen whale evolution, showing the family’s roots in active, sharp-toothed predators. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
But surely a guy a sharp as Tenax will see a way to turn this bloodline to his advantage. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 18 July 2024 But without savers and gamblers to profit off of, the gains for sharps are limited. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 25 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Le Monde Gourmand's warm yet spicy scent, with hints of nutmeg, sandalwood and musk, is the perfect aroma for sweater weather.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • People with acid reflux, IBD, or celiac disease may need to avoid spicy foods despite potential health benefits.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The monochrome look was further accentuated by Queen Maxima’s pointed-toe heels.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Cut off the pointed top portion with a knife, leaving the bulb intact but exposing the individual cloves.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Layer with a stylish barn jacket for a more sophisticated look, or wear it by itself for brunch on the patio with friends.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Espadrilles Ballet flats have made a comeback in Paris as a fall wardrobe essential, but chic espadrilles are another style, which designers like Chanel and Chloé have given a very stylish (and pricey) spin to the seasonal staple.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her blonde hair was parted at the side and tucked low in an elegant bun in the back.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The elegant car, original down to the paint, is a legacy that will be passed on to her daughter.
    Laura Lane, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters have this sharp, biting, British humor.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • There’s Bud the biting cat, played by a feline named Tonic and who deserves a three-picture deal.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The agency brought a similar dark patterns lawsuit against Uber in April, accusing the ride-hailing and delivery company of deceptive billing and cancellation practices tied to its Uber One subscription service.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The name of the series has also penetrated the cultural lexicon as a way to refer to someone who has been deceptive about their identity online.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Winged munition autonomously detects moving targets Raytheon also highlighted that the StormBreaker smart weapon gives operators an upper hand in combat by hitting moving targets in some of the worst weather conditions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In addition, businesses need to be smart about setting goals for AI.
    Bob Violino, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This intelligent two-way interaction changed the web forever.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The plot follows the story of Ainara, an intelligent 17-year-old who is trying to decide what to study at university.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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