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
-
Biden’s attempts to reingratiate himself have largely fallen on deaf ears, given the lasting bitterness many Democrats hold over his handling of the last year of his presidency.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Experts in the field of veteran care share Worthington’s enthusiasm.—
Adam Stone,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
-
November 11, 2025 Chinese consumers were once flooded with enthusiasm over Valentine’s Day, the unofficial Cyber-Valentine’s Day (520) and tradition-rich Qixi.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
11 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
-
It’s powered by triple Volvo Penta D13-IPS1200 engines, which caused some grumbling among brand purists with a thirst for speed.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
-
To quench her thirst, the women served the baby sips of water from the plastic cap of a gallon water jug.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Much of the film’s drama then ensues inside Teddy and Don’s basement like a pseudo chamber piece as captor and captive face off in a battle of wits, logic and strange faith that blurs the lines between divisive politics, conspiracy and cosmic truth.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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During an October 2022 visit to The Drew Barrymore Show, Clooney reflected on the opportunity and his love for the cast’s wit.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Whatever the case, sensitivities about national security risks remain high as China’s relationship with Western nations grows tense.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Witches Witches in Rice's world are humans born with special supernatural sensitivities, oftentimes extra sensory perceptions or the power of telekinesis.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2025.
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