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
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
Physical risks encompass both acute shocks—like storms, floods, and wildfires—and longer-term stresses such as sea-level rise or chronic heat.
—
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Since the acute phase of the pandemic, vaccine manufacturers have been subtly updating COVID-19 shots annually to precisely target the molecular signatures of the newest virus variants, which continually evolve to evade our immune responses.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The acute need for companies with this level of in-depth warmth and empathy for their clients drives ITS to expand its horizon.
—William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Since the acute phase of the pandemic, vaccine manufacturers have been subtly updating COVID-19 shots annually to precisely target the molecular signatures of the newest virus variants, which continually evolve to evade our immune responses.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The acute need for companies with this level of in-depth warmth and empathy for their clients drives ITS to expand its horizon.
—William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
Historically, he's been sensitive to them, but his focus seems more on pushing his agenda than chasing approval numbers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
-
If the plant is especially sensitive to sitting in water, raise it up by setting a small plank or block underneath.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, the editorial minimizes the urgent reality facing our region.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2025
-
That is the urgent story that authors Allen and Parnes ignored.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
From an investment standpoint, the Mavericks head coach has been keen on football for some time.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Banerji talked up the success of The Shadow Strays and Hunger, the latter of which hit No. 1 worldwide, but also was keen to stress the company’s firsts for the region, notably producing Outside, the first Filipino zombie movie that was released in 2024.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Historically, Google has had a less intensive quality control processes than Apple which has meant more low-end apps make it through to the storefront.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
-
For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.—
Reed Frederick Noss,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, Gagliardi recommends running a quick wash cycle and adding a product like Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer, which can squash the odor-causing bacteria lurking in your damp laundry.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Seven new projects debut on the 15-spot roster, making competition surprisingly fierce.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The aviation industry expects the exemption to help companies keep costs down during a sharp pullback in travel spending by consumers worried about slower economic growth and higher inflation.—
Rajesh Kumar Singh,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
In Chico, 90 miles north of Sacramento, the emergency room at the only hospital in town has seen a sharp increase in patients over the past decade, due in part to a lack of primary care providers in the area.—
Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share