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
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
judging by the acuteness in his tone when he congratulated me, I think he was actually quite resentful that I won
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
the acuteness of the bird's eyesight is amazing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acute
Monica Lander, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
As of mid-May, 470,000 people there face catastrophic hunger, and the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity, according to WFP.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 May 2025
His official cause of death was acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which is a condition where the lungs aren't able to release enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
Intensity in relationships involves seeking out acute, high-stimulation feelings that often stem from fear, anxiety or a desire to escape emotional numbness, not from genuine connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Adjective
Masterfully executing this vision with acute attention to every detail was a team of talent, including Designer Michael Layne, Interior Designers Patty McDonald and Marcia Moore, and Builder Paul Conrado.
—Monica Lander, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
As of mid-May, 470,000 people there face catastrophic hunger, and the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity, according to WFP.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 May 2025
His official cause of death was acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which is a condition where the lungs aren't able to release enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
Intensity in relationships involves seeking out acute, high-stimulation feelings that often stem from fear, anxiety or a desire to escape emotional numbness, not from genuine connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
Amino acids are more easily absorbed than proteins and do not damage the intestinal environment, which means even those with sensitive digestions can take them.—
MISAKI KAWATSU,
Vogue,
10 June 2025
-
This principle, applied across all workloads, is instrumental for reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.—
Ben Blanquera,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
The appeals court said there is no urgent need for DOGE to access Social Security records in the interim.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The faction's power grew with the shocking debut of Jacob Fatu, another member of the Anoa'i family known for his intense and destructive style in other promotions.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
Recognizing that gulf is a sad thing for her, and Huston holds Anderson’s intense close-ups with an expression both loving and rueful at once. 40.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
To guide those keen to experience the healing power of the sea, all-inclusive holiday experts at Travel Republic have analyzed data to reveal the saltiest seas–and therefore the best for ocean therapy.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
In this wider advice industry, opinion circulates between and in front of strangers, who become keen observers of others’ shocking revelations.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
University of Southern California LOS ANGELES Inspired by Walt Disney artist and Imagineer John C. Hench, USC’s intensive BFA and MFA programs teach animation from a maker’s point of view.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
-
Ware picked up all the cases while on intensive supervised release after serving three years and three months for aiding and abetting first-degree robbery out of Hennepin County.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
What Davies has thus far brought to his second bite of the Who apple has proven … mixed.—
Glen Weldon,
NPR,
7 June 2025
-
As stories of love, loss and migration unfold over small bites and careful sips, Bose paints a portrait of identity steeped in sensory memory.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The department will not be releasing additional details about the case because of its sensitivity and the victim’s age, according to the release.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 June 2025
-
Organizations must embrace: • Responsiveness over rigidity • Continuous learning over static optimization • Signal sensitivity over status reporting This isn’t hypothetical.—
Gowtham Chilakapati,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some fans were quick to show concern for Paltrow in the comments, warning the Goop founder about the dangers of topless cooking.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
15 June 2025
-
Noting some Italian heritage, her take was pretty quick.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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