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
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Back in China, preliminary data have shown a sharp decline in shipping and other trade activity.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 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
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year.
—Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023
Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets.
—Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Adjective
The dynamics are informed by a baseline of data from Mack, who oversees the Royals quantitative analysis staff and performance science department ... and happens to be a sharp and animated guy who loves to talk about this stuff.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Back in China, preliminary data have shown a sharp decline in shipping and other trade activity.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Adverb
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
Noun
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year.
—Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
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
Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets.
—Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
-
For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
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There are also bento boxes, spicy tuna bowls, and crispy tempura.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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His film sessions during the Robinson-Duncan era were legendary for how pointed and forceful Popovich was, particularly with his two stars.—
Jason Quick,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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The move is a pointed response to the administration’s actions to either abandon the NCA entirely or produce an alternate report downplaying the threat climate change poses to the United States, according to Brandon Jones, president of AGU.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The simple yet stylish design lends itself to almost any outfit, so these sandals can be worn with pants, dresses, or shorts.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2025
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While some sandals can lean on the casual, informal side, these stylish ones are sophisticated enough for all types of events and occasions.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
To bring back that upscale aesthetic, the Casino Royal will have a dress code that requires jackets for men and elegant dress for women.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
13 May 2025
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Just last fall, the actress and entrepreneur launched her second furniture line with CB2, a collection that embodies her elegant style.—
Joyce Chen,
Architectural Digest,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
In the 1970s, information about the Tuskegee study – a deceptive and unethical 40-year study of untreated syphilis in Black men – came to light.—
Christine Coughlin,
The Conversation,
9 May 2025
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Anyone wanting to fight such usage would have to rely on deceptive practice laws, trademark and copyright protection, and state-specific laws protecting a person's name, image, and likeness.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Fort Worth is at a crucial moment for growth and opportunity, Parker said, stressing the importance of leading with smart policies that ensure the city thrives into the future.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
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So far, there’s no word on price or availability for the earbuds or smart ring.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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