SHARPENS Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

sharpens

verb

present tense third-person singular of sharpen

as in grinds

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 sharpens Clarity delivered with genuine respect sharpens leadership rather than weakening it. — Vaishali Dev, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Blind, which follows a writer whose loss of sight sharpens her creative imagination, premiered in Sundance and Berlin. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 But seeing how the Count traveled the same journey from the Borgo Pass to Exeter by sea sharpens the contrast between these characters, and hints at the undead man’s indomitability. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 That extra size collects far more light, sharpens detail (especially on planets) and gives brighter views of fainter deep sky objects. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The discovery sharpens that broad history by anchoring a smallpox strain in northern Chile. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 The understanding with Mbappe, always lightning quick to make his move, only sharpens the most dangerous connection at the World Cup. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Put another way, salt sharpens the tomato-y-ness of a tomato. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Lalka’s contribution sharpens our understanding of where some of that conflict originates. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpens

Verb

The annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), the country’s most important academic event, grinds the nation to almost a halt to ensure the smooth administration of the exam.

— Lim Hui Jie,Miko Jang, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Finance ministers and central bank officials of G20 countries convene in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday as the US-Iran war grinds into its sixth month, raising inflation expectations and keeping energy prices elevated.

— Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of grinds

Verb

But the talent on display whets the appetite for the multihyphenate’s next projects after this work’s debut in Venice as part of the wider Biennale College.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Like anticipation for an upcoming summer blockbuster movie, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll whets the appetite for college football fans ahead of the teams returning to the field.

— Erick Smith, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of whets

Verb

The injunction, driven by environmental and veterans’ groups, is difficult to enforce, yet targets drilling, infrastructure and port work as the project edges toward commercial production in 2028.

— Sergio Farella, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Tennessee edges past Houston because the Cougars struggled a bit with Oregon State.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of edges

Verb

Chance the Rapper, another honoree, hones his influence and charity on young generations in his hometown through his organization Social Works Chicago, which works with mental health providers, the homeless, and public schools.

— Connor Greene, Time, 22 May 2026
But Highsmith hones the drama by putting us in Chester’s head.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

Definition of hones

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sharpening

sharpens

sharper

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“Sharpens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpens. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpens

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