1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the keenness of the knife should tell you that it was sharpened recently a writer famous for the keenness of her wit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest
was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
there's an enhanced keenness of hearing that young mothers seem to develop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keenness
The talks signal keenness by both countries to maintain regular communication, The Wall Street Journal said.
—
Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Farke himself commented on Gray’s keenness to be at the front of May’s title celebrations, despite having contributed only five minutes on the pitch for the senior side.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Farke himself commented on Gray’s keenness to be at the front of May’s title celebrations, despite having contributed only five minutes on the pitch for the senior side.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keenness
Noun
-
What remains is not shame or bitterness, but genuine care.—
Kelly Foster Lundquist,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
This swap will not only increase the healthfulness of your recipe, but dark chocolate’s bitterness is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of most baked goods.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In March 2025, Vice President Vance even led a high-profile US delegation to the American military base in Greenland to advocate for annexation, despite polling data indicating that a large majority of Greenlanders have expressed no enthusiasm for an American takeover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
His enthusiasm and energy can help businesses attract and retain young, diverse talent.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
His intelligence and compassion helped enormously and launched our lifelong friendship.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Young stars like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Scamacca bring energy and creativity to a squad that still values tactical intelligence and grit.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Crisp bits of bacon add a salty crunch, while the green onion brings a fresh, mild bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The poolside Joia Bar, modeled after a traditional Dominican casita, overlooks the lagoon pool and the sea, offering light bites, appetizers, and cocktails.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Reusable Water Bottle A long day of exploration can easily work up a thirst.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Zinna died of thirst and starvation, but the day would never be determined.—
Joy Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The kind of things that had always worked for Lorne — his wit, his charm — just didn’t land.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
25 Oct. 2025
-
His wit, taste, and irreverent sense of elegance defined the brand and inspired everyone who worked with him.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lufthansa also commissioned a study conducted by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, which found the combination of dryness and low pressure also reduces the sensitivity of taste buds for both sweet and salty by 30 percent.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The measure appears to have been the least favored around the southeastern edge of the county, an area that was originally supposed to get access to the silver line.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keenness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keenness. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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