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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of honed
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
That future is being honed by the company's motorsports arm.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
The best part is that the skills honed while cooking old favorites can always be put to use when trying out new things.
—Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Located next to the Rainbow Room where Eleven honed her telekinetic skills—and banished Henry to the Upside Down—the office is filled with notebooks.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Contemporary fiction as it is practiced today in many mainstream forms is honed to that rapid symbolic interpretation.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
From elevated basics to matching sets, these frequent flyers have honed the formula for looking good while getting from point A to B (with their stylish carry-on in tow, of course).
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Unlike others of his ilk, Dexter has honed his compulsion and focuses only on bad people in Miami who slip through the hands of justice.
—Barry Garron, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Solis said the plan and national momentum likely would not have been possible without these volunteer efforts by public university professors and researchers, many of whom focus on climate impacts in their work and have honed skills to effectively communicate it to the public.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Think soft neutrals, honed oak floors, and bespoke furnishings that quietly echo the building’s Japanese sensibility.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
That future is being honed by the company's motorsports arm.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
The best part is that the skills honed while cooking old favorites can always be put to use when trying out new things.
—Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Located next to the Rainbow Room where Eleven honed her telekinetic skills—and banished Henry to the Upside Down—the office is filled with notebooks.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Contemporary fiction as it is practiced today in many mainstream forms is honed to that rapid symbolic interpretation.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
From elevated basics to matching sets, these frequent flyers have honed the formula for looking good while getting from point A to B (with their stylish carry-on in tow, of course).
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Unlike others of his ilk, Dexter has honed his compulsion and focuses only on bad people in Miami who slip through the hands of justice.
—Barry Garron, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Solis said the plan and national momentum likely would not have been possible without these volunteer efforts by public university professors and researchers, many of whom focus on climate impacts in their work and have honed skills to effectively communicate it to the public.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honed
Verb
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My human thoughts dimmed, my animal senses sharpened.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The stalks are drenched in a garlic-and-anchovy vinaigrette sharpened with vinegar and mellowed with extra-virgin olive oil.—
Katie Parla,
Saveur,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
-
However, Amy didn't say anything else, which rubbed her the wrong way.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In general, acting quickly is key since the pain can be sharp and overwhelming within the first few seconds.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The negligible homicide case is seen through the strongest of microscopes, bringing flashbacks of the backstory into sharp focus as questions about faith and the human psyche soon arise.—
Michael Lee Simpson,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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The body of each tentacle is crafted out of resin, and the individual suckers are then painted and polished before being applied by hand.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Before his sentencing, his attorneys filed a motion seeking a new trial, saying that evidence the jury heard does not prove his guilt, KCRG reports.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The company has not yet filed formal plans with the city and now says that its plans could be at risk if the historic district is approved.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honed. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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