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
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
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
-
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
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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
Adjective
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In his urgent nonfiction debut, the writer—who was born in Cairo, grew up in Doha, moved to Canada, and now lives in rural Oregon—wrestles with his disillusionment with the West and its institutions, particularly given the indifference he’s observed in so many as the war rages on.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
6 June 2025
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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
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During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Russia used a Tu-160 in intensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Friday.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Israel was quick to retaliate, targeting an oil refinery and hitting buildings in Tehran.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Sanders’s Senate counterpart, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), is a fierce Trump critic.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
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Meta’s big bet on Wang fits into CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s plans to bolster his company’s AI efforts amid fierce competition from OpenAI and Google-parent Alphabet.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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The withdrawal, and the chaos that accompanied it, drew sharp criticism from many Americans.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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Thanks to its unique design, however, the UC San Diego device combines a small form factor with high-frequency (40-megahertz) ultrasound, for much sharper images.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
14 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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