as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
using a finely honed butcher knife will make cutting meat easier
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in whetted
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rubbed
to make smooth by friction
honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of honed
Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
This new Rubio has honed impressive skills in keeping an immovable face for the camera when seated or standing behind a boss who is ad-libbing in the diplomatic style of Genghis Khan.
—Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
She’s honed her knack for creativity while being more consistent with her 3-pointer.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Their creative problem-solving skills, honed through years of emotional and domestic labor, become strengths during major life transitions.
—Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Cash’s twist in Lost Lambs makes conspiracy a practice honed by young girls, the kinds of people at the center of Pizzagate and rap beefs and the Epstein files.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
However, that same delight has turned disorienting for many developers, who are grappling with a sense of loss as skills honed over a lifetime suddenly seem less essential.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Brentford switch between a 4-4-2 zonal defensive block and man-to-man pressing, an approach which was honed under Frank, and can be seen across the league.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Arts and Culture Local architect Earl Young honed his craft constructing unique residential homes in Charlevoix in the 20th century.
—Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Cash’s twist in Lost Lambs makes conspiracy a practice honed by young girls, the kinds of people at the center of Pizzagate and rap beefs and the Epstein files.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
This new Rubio has honed impressive skills in keeping an immovable face for the camera when seated or standing behind a boss who is ad-libbing in the diplomatic style of Genghis Khan.
—Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
She’s honed her knack for creativity while being more consistent with her 3-pointer.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Their creative problem-solving skills, honed through years of emotional and domestic labor, become strengths during major life transitions.
—Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Cash’s twist in Lost Lambs makes conspiracy a practice honed by young girls, the kinds of people at the center of Pizzagate and rap beefs and the Epstein files.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
However, that same delight has turned disorienting for many developers, who are grappling with a sense of loss as skills honed over a lifetime suddenly seem less essential.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Brentford switch between a 4-4-2 zonal defensive block and man-to-man pressing, an approach which was honed under Frank, and can be seen across the league.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Arts and Culture Local architect Earl Young honed his craft constructing unique residential homes in Charlevoix in the 20th century.
—Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honed
Verb
-
The phages developed mutations that sharpened their ability to latch onto and infect bacterial cells.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
-
That agenda was sharpened by voters’ decisive rejection of Proposition Q in November — a result Watson has framed as both a mandate and a warning.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bulldog or border collie, barking or getting its belly rubbed, a dog can be many things while still remaining a dog.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
-
William and Kate being so involved in what happened with Andrew reportedly rubbed Queen Camilla the wrong way.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The numbers mark a sharp reversal from a spike in violence during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The blazer of Middleton’s look included sharp shoulders with sinuous lapels and angular pockets at the waist.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Cozy, slouchy, and still polished enough to feel intentional?—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The sheriff’s office has rejected Cal-OSHA’s application of the law, and last summer filed a lawsuit in Yuba Superior Court challenging the subpoenas.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
According to a complaint filed by the DA’s Office in the murder for hire case, Taylor was promised $500 to kill Preston Holmes.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honed. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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