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Definition of sharpnext
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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
Panipat, India — Inside the dusty, dimly lit cotton recycling unit, Rajesh stands beside a shredding machine, feeding white fabric into sharp blades. Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 The sharp depletion will also mean the market stays vulnerable for longer to future disruptions even after the conflict ends. Grant Smith, Fortune, 9 May 2026
Adverb
The sharp-toothed action flick centers on a South Carolina coastal town wrecked by a hurricane. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 In the pics, the actor is captured mid-performance, fully channeling Darin’s signature charm — sharp-suited, microphone in hand and radiating confidence under the lights. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
Not impressed by stadium prospects in San Diego, NFL sharps created a sure thing for the Spanoses 120 miles north by assuring the Chargers a spot in the Kroenke Dome that Rams owner and mega-billionaire Stan Kroenke would build in Inglewood. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025 In order to protect waste haulers and others against injury and contamination, there are special steps to dispose of needles and sharps. Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Verb
Thompson was pretty brave for weaving his fingers with Meg's, considering how long and sharp her stiletto manicure is. Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Grilled spam, traditionally served on rice cakes, is settled onto crispy hash browns, wrapped with nori and served with a side of spicy sriracha mayo.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
  • Or there’s the adobo pork, which is this tangy, spicy pork stew.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • The heels feature an ultra-sharp pointed toe and a padded insole.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • The trio is still enthralled by the pointed edges of post-punk that serve as the skeleton of most of their tracks.
    David Glickman, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • And yet, here comes along Björk, not just cutting a stylish figure in the ensemble on a red carpet, but basically raving in it.
    Max Berlinger, Vogue, 8 May 2026
  • Modern Vienna is a thriving metropolis with a stylish centre.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The two front doors open to reveal ample storage that expands to the back of the table, making this a piece that adds both an elegant and functional touch to a hallway or foyer.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • Guests were served canapes including a surprisingly brilliant mango and mung bean tartare plus chicken teriyaki kebabs, all washed down with elegant Hugo Spritz and espresso martinis.
    Partner Content, Variety, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
  • The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs in the California suit claim they were misled by deceptive labeling when purchasing the product more than a dozen times in California stores.
    Itzel Luna, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
  • Patel’s complaint against FanDuel includes claims for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, conspiracy, and deceptive and unfair trade practices.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • January 20 – February 18 A smarter routine or work shift could make life feel noticeably lighter today.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A smarter routine or work shift could make life feel noticeably lighter today.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The next is making the grid intelligent enough to absorb that power at scale—flexible, predictive, and reliable.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • An immersive, intelligent debut.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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