1
as in to sharpen
to make sharp or sharper
honed the knife's blade to razor-like sharpness honed his crossword-puzzle skills by reading the dictionary as though it were a thrilling novel
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2
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hone
Castellanos has honed this skill through a career that has been embedded in two worlds.
—
William Jones, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson while honing lithe dancing skills and his supple tenor, Usher graduated from opener to solo headliner in 2002 with his 8701 Evolution Tour in support of his third studio album, 8701.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
But his parents remained pillars of support who helped the young Smith nurture and hone his craft.
—Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Day’s a Sundance Lab fellow, SXSW mentor and Ryan Murphy Half Initiative alum who honed her improv comedy skills at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hone
William Jones, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson while honing lithe dancing skills and his supple tenor, Usher graduated from opener to solo headliner in 2002 with his 8701 Evolution Tour in support of his third studio album, 8701.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
But his parents remained pillars of support who helped the young Smith nurture and hone his craft.
—Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Day’s a Sundance Lab fellow, SXSW mentor and Ryan Murphy Half Initiative alum who honed her improv comedy skills at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hone
Verb
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Under José Luis Cienfuegos, director since 2023, Valladolid is sharpening its industry use for Spain’s indie sector, serving as a second major fall berth for domestic launches after San Sebastián, while business ramps via Merci, the independent market co-organized with Adicine.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
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Elliott said that since the office has sharpened its tone, donations have poured in from millions of supporters.—
Brittany Shepherd,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
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Her words rubbed viewers and other contestants the wrong way, prompting a spat with fellow contestant Debbie.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Additional changes in the new beach include a stabilizing stone wall, dry prairie grasses to deter birds and sand with larger grain size.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Reiss’ script was a Black List find that either wasn’t reworked enough by committee or so sanded down in the studio churn that all personality was drained in the process.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Keeping ‘the wolf away from the door’ Colorado River cuts could hit the tiny town of Cave Creek harder than any other municipality, town officials say, potentially grinding growth to a halt and pulling the town government into lawsuits over unfulfilled water contracts.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Do not call 911 for non-emergencies like power outages, animal problems, or to file routine reports.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
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An expert for the defense in the $40 million lawsuit filed by a former Virginia elementary school teacher shot by a 6-year-old student with a history of disciplinary problems testified Monday the assistant principal did not breach professional standards or act with indifference.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hone. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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