sharpening

present participle of sharpen
as in grinding
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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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 sharpening This includes balancing light and color, sharpening details, and reducing noise. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025 Gass, who’s been CEO at Levi’s since January 2024, has been building on and sharpening the company’s efforts to expand its own direct-to-consumer business, which currently accounts for 46 percent of sales, and bring in more women shoppers. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 The new Tottenham coach has instilled a greater solidity and resilience in the side that looks to be an excellent foundation for long-term success, but those attacking tools will need sharpening in the short term. Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 With 12 knives that slice, chop, and dice with minimal effort (and a sharpening blade to keep their edges pristine), whipping up more elaborate meals is a bit easier. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 What Happens Next The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary is expected to become increasingly competitive, with candidates sharpening their policy pitches as voter awareness grows. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Sympathy is a knife—and Charli XCX may be sharpening hers. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2025 Trump’s actions are sharpening critics’ fears about creeping authoritarianism. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025 The scratching posts are lined with sistal ropes for scratching and sharpening claws while the rest areas are soft and warm, perfect for an afternoon siesta. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpening
Verb
  • That hypnotizing aroma may be one thing, but there is actually a science to grinding coffee.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
  • But the patient, grinding work of peace implementation typically bores him.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The series will launch on YouTube later this year, honing and building IP.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Freshman year is about discovering passions and honing talent.
    RACHEL SPECTOR, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharpening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpening. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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