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
Marshall noted that the problem becomes more acute when that consultation with ICE results in denial or extreme wait times.
—
Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The result is sluggish deployment, higher compliance costs for developers, and uneven access for patients in the communities AI could help most — especially rural areas that suffer from acute shortage of care providers.
—Alon Bergman, STAT, 11 May 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is still rippling across the global economy, and disruption has been particularly acute in parts of Asia, touching everything from gas and energy costs to cooking fuel and fertilizers.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 10 May 2026
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome affects the kidneys and causes a wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, low blood pressure, acute shock, internal bleeding and kidney failure.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The result is sluggish deployment, higher compliance costs for developers, and uneven access for patients in the communities AI could help most — especially rural areas that suffer from acute shortage of care providers.
—Alon Bergman, STAT, 11 May 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is still rippling across the global economy, and disruption has been particularly acute in parts of Asia, touching everything from gas and energy costs to cooking fuel and fertilizers.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 10 May 2026
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome affects the kidneys and causes a wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, low blood pressure, acute shock, internal bleeding and kidney failure.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
The film opens with its shy, sensitive twentysomething protagonist, Bear, struggling to confess his feelings for his childhood friend, Nikki.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Under Xi's predecessor, Hu Jintao, China was more focused on economic integration and more sensitive to its international reputation, said Genser, who helped win another activist's freedom in 2007.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
There were also objections from bigger carriers such as United, which had an urgent financial interest in seeing the back of a pesky cheap competitor.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Pay attention to what feels sustainable, not just urgent.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Later, the Moon squares Mars in Aries, which can make the moment feel more intense.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
-
Keep in mind that Pluto retrogrades happen every year for approximately half the year, but this particular cycle will be especially raw and intense, both at a personal and global level.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Elkann, a keen offshore sailor himself, says Hypersail follows in the footsteps of Ferrari’s passion for endurance, drawing inspiration from the Ferrari 499P hypercar, which has won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans three years in a row since the team’s return to endurance racing in 2023.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Mount Carmel’s Christian Clark has a keen sense of what every pitcher is thinking, especially since the senior catcher spends every game connecting and interacting with his own staff.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but intensive ICU care — including ECMO, which oxygenates blood outside the body — can help patients in severe respiratory distress.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
-
The biggest increases will be to inexpensive, perishable goods such as potatoes and onions, as well as fertilizer-intensive goods such as tomatoes.—
Wes Zebrowski,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
When the puck finally dropped on the fifth and deciding game of the semifinal series, Minnesota came out flying with yet another quick start, pinning Montreal into its own zone for most of the opening 10 minutes.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Both audiences and platforms are quick to reject content that feels like advertising.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
But creating that space has proven challenging, with plans for two new shelters in the city limits abandoned in recent years after fierce neighborhood opposition.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Quince consistently delivers with airy linens, crisp cottons, and silhouettes that look sharp right out of a suitcase.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
-
Wallstedt was sharp from the get-go Saturday, including buoying the Wild in killing the two first-period Avalanche power plays.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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