1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
the keen wind gave me chapped lips
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
lanced the boil with a keen scalpel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
5
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that new digital camera sure is keen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in wail
a crying out in grief
the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 May 2025
But Google isn't keen to lead on the hardware in this space—at the moment at least.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 21 May 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
After that, Rogen and Goldberg were just as keen to continue collaboration, rewriting the final two scripts to add her character in after working with her.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 May 2025
But Google isn't keen to lead on the hardware in this space—at the moment at least.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 21 May 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
-
Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Even benchmarks can be misleading, since outcomes are highly sensitive to the types of tasks included.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Katy Perry is continuing to catch strays, this time from the most biting demographic of all: the pop girlie fandom.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
-
During the taping of a recent Netflix special, Kyle Dunnigan impersonated Musk onstage in a biting parody—the audience laughed, but Rogan sat mostly silent, avoiding eye contact, appearing unwilling to signal disloyalty to the tech mogul.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick succession by North Korea.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Give your wooden nickel to the mixologist, take your pick between La Babia, an excellent margarita, or Three Emmas, grab a book off the shelf, and take a seat.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
-
During informational interviews, asking for ideas of great places to keep an eye on is an excellent way to add to your list.—
Rebecca Fraser-Thill,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Key Background Leo was born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, and his election as pontiff drew excited responses from Vance and President Donald Trump, who both wished him success in his role leading the Catholic Church.—
Molly Bohannon,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
The nerves turned into excited butterflies as my wave kicked off.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
My love took it upon himself to feed us—me and by extension our daughter—with an intense focus and care.—
Hali Bey Ramdene,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 May 2025
-
During a recent appearance at the Philadelphia Fan Expo, Cena recalled that intense night from early in his career.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Augustina and Blessing are proof of that, milling outside the prison walls, caught between madcap laughter and wails of pain — the polarities of grief.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
29 Mar. 2025
-
War within a war Rosalinda Cabanillas lets out a guttural wail that echoes across the entire cemetery.—
Isobel Yeung,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
Cannon complained to Delta and to the Department of Transportation, which regulates airlines.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
That also prompted a number of customers to complain about the issue on social media.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share