SHARPEN Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

sharpen

verb

ˈshär-pən

Definition of sharpen

as in to grind

to make sharp or sharper you need to sharpen your penknife's blade frequently in order to be able to whittle properly

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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 sharpen Past a certain point, more preparation buries the message instead of sharpening it. — Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Israel’s recognition has sharpened that dispute, turning Somaliland’s push for wider recognition into a more consequential challenge to Somalia’s territorial claims. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 And their pitching infrastructure, which originated under current New York Mets president David Stearns and was sharpened under senior vice president and general manager Matt Arnold, continues to be a model for the sport. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 But the process sharpened my judgment and deepened my understanding. — Alec Litowitz, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen

Verb

The third round was old-style Gauff, scratchy and inconsistent and grinding her way to victory with her legs, over Cristina Buçsa.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
What is so distressing about the lawsuit that is grinding through the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan is that there seems to be no end in sight.

— Mike Kelly, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

Over the course of her career, Mahady has learned how to not only attract a high-end customer, but also hone the personal skills needed to climb the corporate ladder.

— WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Kvaratskhelia is a proud Georgian — his heritage forms an important part of his identity — and his skills were honed on the country’s cage football pitches.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hone

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sharped

sharpen

sharpened

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“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpen

verb

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