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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
Customers have complained in recent months about sharp increases in their bills from Northern Indiana Public Service Company, some even saying their bills have doubled. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026 Use a sharp blade and make one intentional cut about one-quarter inch deep just before baking, Scheck says. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
In Game 1, Yesavage didn’t have his go-to pitch, a sharp-dropping splitter, which forced him to use his slider more often than he was used to. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Capturing the constellations can be tricky and can often require manual focus to get the stars pinpoint sharp but autofocus can help. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 Oct. 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
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
  • Queso fresco, a mild and milky cheese, balances spicy food exceptionally well.
    Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The cream cheese makes these spicy sausage balls fluffy.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Cumming hinted at ongoing global disquiet without going too far or getting too pointed.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The medals were produced by Italy’s own state mint from recycled metals melted in renewable-energy furnaces—a pointed contrast to the 2024 Summer Olympic medals, in Paris, which had developed what some athletes described as a crocodile-skin texture within weeks of the podium.
    Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The stylish motel came under new ownership in 2025, now operated by a hospitality group with experience in real estate, finance, and art.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • For more of the most stylish ways to hide clutter in your kitchen, check out our favorites below.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Come evening, the space becomes an elegant bar, pouring a shortlist of signature cocktails inspired by the neighborhood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • On the contrary, a living room is a formal room, classically appointed with elegant furnishings—and there’s rarely a television in sight.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chill Factor Perhaps the most biting statistic of the season so far is the temperature.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Morbidly Jewish finds Raanan at his most biting, acerbic, angry, Jewish, and, as always…loud.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The felony charges are forgery and deceptive or fraudulent business practices.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • All clever touches and deceptive movement, this was the Eze Arsenal couldn’t bear to miss out on.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Operations are fully paperless, a NORDAQ filtration system eliminates single-use plastic water bottles, and smart climate control throughout helps curb energy usage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Txhoihf Door Draft Stopper A door draft stopper is a smart home pick that can help lower heating and cooling costs by keeping warmth inside during cold months and the AC inside during summer.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Black bears are one of Carr's favorite animals, as their playful antics and uncanny idiosyncrasies reveal an intelligent soul behind beady eyes.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Heldman and Nicholson’s lucid, intelligent script thus assigns characters very different, more nuanced motivations from those we are used to in iterations of this story.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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