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
As host, his relaxed manner and gentle, low-key speaking voice complemented his keen wit and subdued humor. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Kaye’s contemporaries are remembering her as a consummate professional who had a keen talent for working with creatives, and for her stewardship as an advocate in championing the music supervision profession as a whole. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 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
  • Businesses cannot process sensitive data without obtaining consumer consent.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The website Health in Her Hue, for example, connects Black women and women of color to culturally sensitive healthcare providers.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its comedy is observational rather than overtly satirical, far less biting than other Judge creations like Idiocracy and Silicon Valley.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 July 2025
  • Letterman was a frequent critic of CBS, in a comedic but biting way.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, use this time to wind down maybe by stretching, reading, journaling or even doing a quick emotional check-in.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Cutting the butter and cream cheese into smaller pieces and scattering them on top helps the pieces melt into the corn at a quicker and more even pace than if left whole.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our family couldn’t be more excited to welcome baby #3 soon!
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 July 2025
  • Signs that may indicate you are include: keeping eye contact with a soft, loving gaze; physical contact, including licking, leaning, and sleeping in tour bed; bringing you gifts; and just being generally excited to see you.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sports, especially intense ones like rafting, invoke our competitive spirit.
    Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • An intense pain that isn't going away There the lone doctor examined him and gave him an EKG to look at how his heart was functioning.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Thousands of cell phone lights and ear-piercing wails accompanied it.
    Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • So, Nan is nowhere near over Guy, and making things more awkward, Theo can hear his wife’s wails on the other side of the door.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Essentially, the legislation does away with a process that some have complained can be time-consuming and expensive—at least in some cases.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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