Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sharpen
The opening up of the market to foreign buyers this month should boost activity, but could also sharpen cost-of-living concerns for locals.
—
Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Perhaps government bean counters haven’t sharpened their pencils, or maybe there are outstanding bills still to be invoiced.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
McNaughton’s derivative style sharpens the contrast.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Each visit feels worse than the last, either because things actually are getting worse, or because distance has sharpened my vision.
—Zach Fisch, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sharpen
Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Perhaps government bean counters haven’t sharpened their pencils, or maybe there are outstanding bills still to be invoiced.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
McNaughton’s derivative style sharpens the contrast.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Each visit feels worse than the last, either because things actually are getting worse, or because distance has sharpened my vision.
—Zach Fisch, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sharpen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen
Verb
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Regina must have ground the beans the night before—no one else ever thought to help.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
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More than 50 of the 62 House Democrats in August boarded a chartered jet to Chicago to grind action in the 150-member chamber to a halt ahead of the debate on the redistricting plan.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The therapist can practice and hone their therapy skills while interacting with the AI persona.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Instead of ultra-glossy finishes covering every bathroom surface, the experts say matte, honed, and tactile finishes are adding a more timeless and grounded quality for a relaxed feel.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The sheer audacity of the recent Louvre heist has whetted us readers’ appetites for heist stories—space heists, all the better!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Jan. 2026
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The talented chef is planning special menus to whet young appetites during kids’ week.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
20 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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