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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
With the sharp decline in migrants, the village's economy has taken a major hit, forcing residents back to traditional occupations. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Due to their fiber and water content, carrots digest slowly, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes. Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
Initially, the tune was DOA for the sharp-shooting Sundance Kid. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 In fact, these challengers can become unlikely friends and respected peers, strengthening your network and keeping you sharp long after the contest ends. Levi King, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
But surely a guy a sharp as Tenax will see a way to turn this bloodline to his advantage. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 18 July 2024 But without savers and gamblers to profit off of, the gains for sharps are limited. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 25 May 2024
Verb
The Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Plain Toe Derby Shoes are $87 off and sharp enough for weddings or work trips. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025 The world’s second-largest economy continues to face a range of challenges, from job insecurity among the younger generation to sharp downturns in the property sector, once a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth. Hassan Tayir, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Tender and with just a hint of salinity, fresh hauls come in from just off the coast and are served brilliantly with salad and spicy butter.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Buttery and packed with spice, the Cajun compound butter really takes this turkey to the next level without being overly spicy.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a pointed reference to Cheney’s 2014 remarks on Ukraine, RT highlighted his call to bolster NATO’s presence near Russia’s borders and provide military support to Kyiv—framing it as a blueprint for escalation.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The former supermodel completed the look with a pair of black, pointed heels and a gold watch.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Gift it to fellow schleppers who want to stay stylish.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Because the growth in running is also bringing higher taste levels, New Balance intentionally sought out to deliver something more stylish.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But usually the administration official doesn’t fight back in such a biting way.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court on Tuesday, brings claims for deceptive practices and false advertising, among others.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The complaints allow the public to report unfair or deceptive business practices, according to the agency’s website, and can prompt investigations from the office.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Food systems now account for about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but scientists say regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming can help flip that into a future where farms also help grow climate solutions.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Gerard Damiano was a smart guy, a hairdresser from the Bronx who directed Deep Throat and the follow-up, Devil in Miss Jones, which were killing it at the box office, high up on Variety’s Top 50 list of the highestgrossing films.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • For the first time, a machine was able to do what only intelligent humans had previously done.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Humans have a much larger neocortex than other animals, relative to body size, and the species with the largest neocortices—elephants, dolphins, gorillas, chimpanzees, dogs—are among the most intelligent.
    James Somers, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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