keen 1 of 3

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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keen

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noun

keen

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective keen contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and sharp are common synonyms of keen. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

In what contexts can acute take the place of keen?

The meanings of acute and keen largely overlap; however, acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When would sharp be a good substitute for keen?

While the synonyms sharp and keen are close in meaning, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of keen
Adjective
The wedding is just one month away, and the OP is keen to bail. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Taking cues from customer interest, viral trends, and breakthrough new arrivals, retail experts have developed a keen eye for what’ll be the next big thing. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
For those keen to explore the country deeper and differently, Vinho Verde awaits. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023 For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant. Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023
Verb
He’s been lauded for sounding like a vestige of another age — his supple, keening tenor the result of years of apprenticeship to the Pakistani artists Ustad Saami and Farida Khanum. Emily Lordi Philip Cheung, New York Times, 10 May 2024 The score’s main theme feels, above all, like a progression—a steady movement from melody to dissonance, from keening violins to ominous cellos, from pastoral splendor to something more sinister and unresolved. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for keen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
  • Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.
    Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free.
    Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The word itself began life as a British colonial term, probably a corruption of kutu, a Malay word for lice and other biting insects.
    Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But the two-hour, 40-minute script by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan is smart, biting, playful and swift-paced.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • After launching a quick break, Thuram played an intelligent backheel from the middle of the box into the path of Martinez, who finished with the outside of his boot, in what was a real contender for goal of the competition.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a survey of more than 15,000 users after its rollout in 2024, 90% of respondents ranked their experience as excellent or above average.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Scott McKenna bossing the defence, Fabio Silva scoring goals for fun, Oli McBurnie bashing around and suddenly speaking excellent Spanish… this is a cause to believe in.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Kolache fans headed to Florida's Gulf Coast shouldn't get too excited yet, though.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
  • His new kick-change has been a nice weapon against lefties and Taillon is excited about the pitch.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of three childhood friends reunited for an extravagant girl’s weekend, Laurie has contained a simmering sadness and rage since the first episode, when seeing her besties, Jaclyn and Kate, chatting and laughing sent her into a wail of despair.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Expect to hear the unmistakable wail of a vintage F1 car echoing across the speedway, the guttural roar of classic V8s ripping through gears, and the shriek of modern hypercars proving their worth on the track.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Preservationists are complaining that Tranquillity’s plan would harm the open views in that part of town.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins complained to public broadcaster Radio New Zealand that the bill is only meant to grab attention.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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