sharp 1 of 4

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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
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 The former president's endorsement process has evolved from haphazard to sharp and effective, rendering all other endorsements all but obsolete. Kaleigh Rogers, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2024
Adverb
The work of Thierry Mugler, who founded the label in 1974, oscillated between old Hollywood, high camp, and outer space—and sometimes encompassed all three—but was always delivered by a fierce talent aided and abetted by a scalpel-sharp sense of form and fit. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025 The clean tailoring created a sharp foil to the glossy footwear, creating an overall textural but streamlined look. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has welcomed the push on both sides and has emphasized the competition has kept each quarterback sharp knowing the other is ready. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025 Scientists at Museums Victoria’s Research Institute say the discovery offers a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of baleen whale evolution, showing the family’s roots in active, sharp-toothed predators. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Le Monde Gourmand's warm yet spicy scent, with hints of nutmeg, sandalwood and musk, is the perfect aroma for sweater weather.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • People with acid reflux, IBD, or celiac disease may need to avoid spicy foods despite potential health benefits.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The pointed-toe Mario Valentino Corine slingback pump combines soft mesh and delicate kidskin leather, creating lightness and movement.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Or that’s what play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler says on TV, and his pointed prophecy is proven out by the disastrous decisions Russ makes in the present.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2019, Scio refashioned the 48-room property, which includes a centuries-old, unfinished watchtower, into a stylish resort with modern sensibilities.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The look is just one of the latest stylish outfits that Jenner has sported on Instagram.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her blonde hair was parted at the side and tucked low in an elegant bun in the back.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The elegant car, original down to the paint, is a legacy that will be passed on to her daughter.
    Laura Lane, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters have this sharp, biting, British humor.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • There’s Bud the biting cat, played by a feline named Tonic and who deserves a three-picture deal.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Specifically, the four customers argued that Hershey's violated Florida Deceptive And Unfair Trade Practices Act, which is designed to protect Floridians from unfair competition, deceptive acts and unethical practices.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In recent years, users have increasingly been taking to court to challenge allegedly deceptive practices by Amazon.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, in a bid to address the issue, the researchers created a smart measurement and analysis system that can monitor the condition of the asphalt base layer nondestructively over a large area.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • As with other home improvement supplies, retaining current paint colors is smart in case walls need touchups or a fresh coat.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Millions grew up less intelligent, more violent, poorer, and more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
    Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But there were circumstances that could allow the highly intelligent Leland to have a better life.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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