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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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The constant friction of material rubbing on material wears the clothing out faster, so when there is more time, as in a regular or deep clean cycle, the garment fibers can wear down faster.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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The events occurred in and around the lawless border of Venezuela and Colombia, where spies, smugglers and gun runners rub shoulders and distrust their own shadow.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, deteriorating or disturbed lead paint — through sanding or stripping — can create toxic dust that poses serious health hazards, particularly to children.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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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
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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At a time when the Mavericks need as much good will, or PR, as possible, filing a lawsuit against the Dallas Stars is petty, small and mean.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
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Since then, Shashou and Effron have been iterating alongside what has become a team of 50 robotics engineers on the manicure system, which can remove nail polish; deliver cuticle care; file nails — without blades — and impart colored polish and a top coat to finish.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hone. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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