1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
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
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
-
For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free.—
Macaela MacKenzie,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Historically, he's been sensitive to them, but his focus seems more on pushing his agenda than chasing approval numbers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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
-
At a minimum, professionals are looking for dependable inventory, top-quality and professional-grade equipment, effortless trade-ins, excellent customer service and reliable and fast repairs.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space.—
Sarah Lyon,
Architectural Digest,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Kolache fans headed to Florida's Gulf Coast shouldn't get too excited yet, though.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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