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
Ingesting aloe leaf extract has been associated with acute hepatitis (liver inflammation).
—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
21 June 2026
The problem is particularly acute in Danville, said Robert Mittelstaedt, a founder of Marin County e-bike advocacy nonprofit E-Bike Access, who helped gather data cited in the Mineta report.
—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
The downstream impact of the conflict has been acute in Asia, Europe, and Africa, where there is far greater reliance on fossil fuels coming from the Persian Gulf, and greater vulnerability to the soaring costs of energy, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals exported from the region.
—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
21 June 2026
The problem is particularly acute in Danville, said Robert Mittelstaedt, a founder of Marin County e-bike advocacy nonprofit E-Bike Access, who helped gather data cited in the Mineta report.
—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
The downstream impact of the conflict has been acute in Asia, Europe, and Africa, where there is far greater reliance on fossil fuels coming from the Persian Gulf, and greater vulnerability to the soaring costs of energy, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals exported from the region.
—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.
-
Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.
Adjective
-
The cultural conversation happening here is nuanced and urgent and almost entirely invisible to the average visitor.
-
The result is documentary filmmaking at its most urgent and compassionate.
Adjective
-
Katherine Guaramaco described the experience as one of the most intense of her life.
-
The president highlighted the military operation in Iran that has proven deeply unpopular, and an immigration agenda that has provoked intense backlash.
Adjective
-
Netflix executives are known to be keen to see how users engage with linear channels, though the company also expects much of the viewing to be concentrated on TF1’s on-demand content.
-
According to Canine Companions, goldens have a keen insight into human emotional cues, not just commands.
Adjective
-
There’s nothing like an invasive hours-long aesthetic procedure with anesthesia to justify intensive pampering.
-
Governments and energy-intensive firms will look at electrification with newfound interest.
Adjective
-
Either way, Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Cream Mist is an easy way to give quick hydration to dry, stressed skin, thanks to an ultrafine spray packed with ceramides.
-
From California politics to safety concerns on Sacramento roads, here’s a quick digest of some of the top stories for June 23, 2026.
Adjective
-
Despite a few glimmers of good feeling, today's fierce political divisions have redefined a milestone that has often been marked by unity and optimism, at least for a moment.
-
An uncontained blaze in Utah’s Juab County has scorched 34 square miles, forcing the evacuation of Eureka and nearby ranches as firefighters race to shield homes amid fierce winds.
Adjective
-
Davidson had leveled the same line of criticism against Conley in one of the primary race's few sharp clashes.
-
In sharp contrast, the UPEPA tracks the existing summary judgment standard which only looks to whether a minimum of evidence exists and does not require the court to decide issues of facts.
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
