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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

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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
Bass, despite never completing higher education, was an avid reader, and sharp. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026 Twenty-four years later, their mission and their conduct have exceeded the worst imaginings of even their sharpest critics. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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 Teaching youngsters to keep their blades sharp brings them into the circle of household responsibility. Michael Roberts, Outside, 9 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
  • Dishes range from approachable American classics like burgers, wings and pizzas to items with more international flair such as Korean rib eye, shiitake garlic noodles and spicy za’atar hummus.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • For a spicy kick, add Sriracha to the egg wash.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The pointed toe feels classic, while the subtle block heel adds a bit of geometric contrast.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In announcing its temporary closure Thursdsay, LACE shared a pointed message about aggressive ICE operations.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand has amassed a following of loyal travelers who live for its sleek, stylish, and functional bags.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The TiLink is a stylish bracelet that doubles as a 24-in-1 multifunctional toolkit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • When paired with the right boots, leggings can even rise to the level of elegant occasion wear.
    Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • According to interior designers, these four countertop colors are their go-tos for creating modern yet classic spaces that feel elegant and livable.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 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
  • This type of malware is often spread through fake software updates, malicious email attachments, compromised browser extensions or deceptive ads.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Bright sunshine on Sunday will be deceptive as highs will only reach the low to mid-20s.
    Steven Sosna, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The cottages have a mid-century feel and each have indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a smart nouveau-southwest look.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Its intelligent navigation helps ensure effective coverage, while the real-time self-cleaning system helps maintain a cleaner roller with each pass.
    William Jones, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • According to Charles Darwin, survival belongs not to the strongest species, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change.
    Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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