1
2
3

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 Other causes shown in the document include acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis, TMZ reported. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 26 June 2025 The misrepresentations by pro-Home Rule advocates became so acute that the Douglas County Sheriff spoke out against these misrepresentations in a public forum, and the Fraternal Order of Police now opposes Home Rule. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 June 2025 On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the company’s acute myeloid leukemia drug CER-1236 an orphan drug designation . Brian Evans, CNBC, 18 June 2025 With internal travel banned and markets shuttered, food shortages became acute. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • In response, researchers and experts are sounding the alarm—calling for urgent, comprehensive solutions to reverse these trends and support youth wellbeing.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
  • Too Much Going On Limits Executive Team Performance Today’s executive teams are pulled in more directions than ever—global priorities, cross-functional initiatives, urgent issues, never-ending decks.
    Elizabeth Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • During the 1995 heat wave, many of the casualties were seniors who didn’t have family or neighbors to check in on them, especially those living in high-rise buildings where the heat was particularly intense.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Anybody who thought Messi would rest after the intense international tournament does not know Messi.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The first is that in the context of ‘zero fiscal space’ the constraints imposed by high levels of debt and deficits, will drive new splits within parties, for example between those who are keen to spend more on defence, versus those who wish to preserve social welfare safety nets.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The director was also keen to flex about his new theater’s impressive hardware.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Designed to withstand intensive training, Lacoste’s abrasion-resistant piqué fabric is made with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology for more breathable wear.
    Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
  • Oftentimes, enrolling in an intensive language program qualifies someone for a student visa, depending on the requirements of that country (more on that later).
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Your tongue may be quick to lash out under the Leo moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • To put that drop into context, Gates was the fifth richest person alive on July 3, highlighting the fierce (and sometimes erratic) battle to make it to the top 10.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly stated that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted serious damage on Iran's nuclear sites, a sharp contrast to the downplaying by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and one early U.S. intelligence assessment that was leaked to media.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Its exterior is an awkward mashup of new and old ideas—the sharp roofline and giant windscreen give off the impression the car has been crushed—though its dual-color paint job and full-width headlights really work.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on acute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!