as in sharp
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
the sharpened blade of a lawn mower
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Recent Examples of sharpened
Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026
The exit comes as global agencies face growing criticism for relying on offshore models that some African leaders and policymakers say misread local realities — a debate sharpened just this year by Afreximbank’s public break with Fitch.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
Throw in the rise of AI—and mounting uncertainty about whether some entry-level jobs will even exist in the future—and questions have sharpened about whether colleges and universities have adapted fast enough to meet shifting workforce needs.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 May 2026
The skills learned or sharpened in these classes can be lifesaving.
—Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Different gyuto edge styles Western-style knives have 50/50 bevels, which means that both sides of the knife’s edge are sharpened at the same angle.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Damage to the blade may indicate that the lawn mower blades should be sharpened or replaced as soon as possible, depending on the severity.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
The contrast with 41-year-old Platner only sharpened those anxieties.
—Julia Terruso, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
While country storytelling shaped her structure, Swift said emo and pop-punk music sharpened her lyrical instincts.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
That dual perspective sharpened his awareness of identity and access.
—Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026
The exit comes as global agencies face growing criticism for relying on offshore models that some African leaders and policymakers say misread local realities — a debate sharpened just this year by Afreximbank’s public break with Fitch.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
Throw in the rise of AI—and mounting uncertainty about whether some entry-level jobs will even exist in the future—and questions have sharpened about whether colleges and universities have adapted fast enough to meet shifting workforce needs.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 May 2026
The skills learned or sharpened in these classes can be lifesaving.
—Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Different gyuto edge styles Western-style knives have 50/50 bevels, which means that both sides of the knife’s edge are sharpened at the same angle.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Damage to the blade may indicate that the lawn mower blades should be sharpened or replaced as soon as possible, depending on the severity.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
The contrast with 41-year-old Platner only sharpened those anxieties.
—Julia Terruso, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
While country storytelling shaped her structure, Swift said emo and pop-punk music sharpened her lyrical instincts.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpened
Adjective
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Quince consistently delivers with airy linens, crisp cottons, and silhouettes that look sharp right out of a suitcase.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
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Wallstedt was sharp from the get-go Saturday, including buoying the Wild in killing the two first-period Avalanche power plays.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
As the game edged towards half-time, Jesse Derry was fouled in the box by Zach Abbott — with a penalty given.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
Boone edged Lyman 36-34 for the Olympic-style title.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Mejia got Trea Turner to fly out to right, struck out dangerous slugger Kyle Schwarber, and induced Bryce Harper to ground out to second baseman Edouard Julien to secure his second save of the season.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
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From that point Early needed only six pitches to escape unscathed, first striking out Ryan Vilade before forcing Rays superstar Junior Caminero to ground into an inning-ending double play.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The medical negligence lawsuit was filed by Cantrell’s father against the hospital and two doctors who treated the teen.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
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Goltes had filed a petition for child support and attorney’s fees, according to TMZ.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Similarly, slugs and snails are less likely to travel across jagged surfaces, which can make pine cones a helpful barrier around vulnerable plants like lettuce or hostas.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
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The blade was at least ten inches long and double-edged, honed on one side with a wavy scalloped finish, the other a jagged toothing like a lumberjack’s saw.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sharpened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpened. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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