Definition of sharpennext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sharpen Whether your dress comes in a bold, statement shade like Hari Nef’s or leans toward a more muted palette, a neutral-toned turtleneck worn underneath creates subtle contrast while sharpening the overall look. Gena Kaufman, InStyle, 8 Apr. 2026 The book’s playful interrogation of traditional gender expectations is sharpened with the introduction of 1855 Caleb, a fantasy and a nightmare, a stern, quiet man who Natalie finds both terrifying and alluring. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Woodruff sharpened his work as the innings progressed. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 After a couple episodes, the colliding storylines deepen and finds Glatzer sharpening his instruments to carve further into the techie culture. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen
Verb
  • Microboone has ground left to cover.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
  • An assortment of stone tools, including grinding slabs, mullers, pestles, and mortars, suggested that grain was processed on-site.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nonetheless, Blake and Carlson stick to the minimalist sound Blake’s been honing for years.
    Donald Morrison, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Pro football, baseball, hockey and soccer players might see the chance to return to college to earn NIL and revenue-share, not to mention to hone their skills for an eventual return to pro sports, as appealing and perhaps worth suing over.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After six weeks whetting blades in the factory on a grinding belt, Brigitte received a silver motorbike.
    Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Let the lemonade whet your whistle, then explore the rest of the city’s surprisingly accomplished food scene.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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