1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
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2
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
the keen wind gave me chapped lips
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3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
lanced the boil with a keen scalpel
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4
as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind
readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical
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5
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that new digital camera sure is keen
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6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry
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7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else
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as in wail
a crying out in grief
the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city
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1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keen
Audrey Payne, CNBC, 16 June 2026
In Highland Park, the organization saw 45,000 people visiting its venue last year, many of which were schoolchildren, although BBMT leadership is keen to highlight that performances are meant for adults, too.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
New Atlas, 19 May 2026
The song finds Abstract continuing to explore the contours of indie and alternative rock, with a simmering lo-fi guitar riff that gives way to the uneasy keen of a synth.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2023
Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for keen
Adjective
The bottom line Hiring the right candidate still requires keen judgment and relationship-building, but AI tools like those offered by ZipRecruiter can significantly reduce administrative work and give business owners more time to focus on growth.
—Audrey Payne, CNBC, 16 June 2026
In Highland Park, the organization saw 45,000 people visiting its venue last year, many of which were schoolchildren, although BBMT leadership is keen to highlight that performances are meant for adults, too.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
Noun
The keen-eyed among our readers will notice that the ROG glasses are largely the same inside and out as the Xreal One Pro, which cost $649.
—New Atlas, 19 May 2026
The song finds Abstract continuing to explore the contours of indie and alternative rock, with a simmering lo-fi guitar riff that gives way to the uneasy keen of a synth.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2023
Verb
The sport's powerhouse India did not want to host another event, with Zimbabwe - emerging as a destination for major tournaments - and Sri Lanka keen but bypassed for the UAE, a reliable alternative that doubles as headquarters for the sport's governing body.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for keen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
-
According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.—
Quinn Scanlan,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
-
Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.—
Taylor Croft,
AJC.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
-
Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Davidson had leveled the same line of criticism against Conley in one of the primary race's few sharp clashes.—
Chris McKenna,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
In sharp contrast, the UPEPA tracks the existing summary judgment standard which only looks to whether a minimum of evidence exists and does not require the court to decide issues of facts.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
While much has been made of the eight-floor Obama Presidential Museum, many in the communities around the soon-to-open presidential library complex are excited to enjoy the outdoor spaces with friends and family.—
Shardaa Gray,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Libraries open opportunities to get excited and relax, discover and reminisce, be challenged and comforted.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Being in the C-suite is a high-pressure job with long hours, board responsibilities, and intense scrutiny.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
-
Within the hour, all firefighters were called off the roof and out of the building because of the danger posed by the intense flames and the ammonia leak.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Three species of bats inhabit the site, and supernatural events—including the appearance of the gamekeeper’s ghost and the wail of a banshee—have been reported.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
-
The wail of fire trucks can be heard as passersby stopped to record the scene.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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