1
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
be careful, as that knife is sharp enough to slice off a finger
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2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
that cheese is so sharp that its rank aroma can practically clear a room
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3
4
as in stylish
being in the latest or current fashion
wore a sharp suit to his first big job interview
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5
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance
a television personality who's known as a sharp dresser
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6
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind
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7
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception
sharp business practices that are being investigated by the state's consumer protection agency
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8
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a sharp customer who wasn't about to be taken in by that smooth-tongued salesman
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9
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately
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10
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
an unnecessarily sharp retort to a perfectly civil question
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11
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
you have sharp eyes
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12
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a spell of unusually sharp weather for this time of year
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as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference
be there at four o'clock sharp
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as in adept
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the computer sharp that the rest of the staff turns to whenever their PCs act up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sharp
Matthew Brown, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks.
—Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
The sharper that angle is the faster the Earth orbits, with lunar gravity in this case speeding things up, countering the braking effect that lunar apogee usually applies.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023
The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Adjective
President Barack Obama agreed to sharp spending curbs that only recently expired.
—Matthew Brown, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks.
—Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023
Adverb
Use sharp, clean hand pruners or a sharp knife to remove the wilting flowers and drop them into a collection container.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
The sharper that angle is the faster the Earth orbits, with lunar gravity in this case speeding things up, countering the braking effect that lunar apogee usually applies.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
Noun
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023
The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Verb
Secure your unwanted sharps in a sturdy container — a rigid laundry detergent bottle can work well — and throw them away.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
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Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Josh Kraft, Wu’s top mayoral opponent, was more pointed in his criticism.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
4 July 2025
-
In comments to Louisville Public Media, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, was more pointed.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The post included an adorable shot of Baby Boy looking straight at the camera while showing off a stylish Louis Vuitton leash, as well as a video of the little dude snuggled up on Snoop’s lap and chewing on the rapper’s Death Row jacket.—
Anna Chan,
Billboard,
7 July 2025
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Its sporty yet stylish design pairs well with both casual and dressier outfits.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The dress has elegant puff sleeves, romantic florals, and a square-neck that keeps you covered.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Attendees in The Hague have framed the defense spending pledge and snappy communique as a response to the threat of Russia, not just the biting condemnation of the U.S. president.—
Ellie Cook — reporting from The Hague,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The suit alleges excessive fees resulting in high annual percentage rates, deceptive tipping practices and misleading consumers about the voluntary nature of fees.—
AJ Dhaliwal,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Mayes seeks to dissolve both companies, citing violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and deceptive practices targeting underage customers.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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Instead of chasing trends, smart companies stay committed to long-term brand building and reputation management.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.—
Cierra Cowan July 11,
PC Magazine,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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