sharply

adverb

Definition of sharplynext
as in neatly
in a strikingly neat and trim manner sharply dressed groomsmen at a formal wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 sharply Heavy rain can sharply reduce visibility and create dangerous road conditions even before flooding begins. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Israel sharply criticized the UK after London voiced opposition to the Jewish state’s support for settlements in the occupied West Bank, the latest in a series of rows with once strong Western allies. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The number of satellites in orbit now is around 18,000, but it’s expected to reach 100,000 in 2030, driven sharply by the growth of LEO networks for communications and other purposes. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026 In the wake of the veto, Patrick sharply criticized Abbott, which led to perhaps the biggest rift between the two men since they were both elected in 2014. — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Stamy and other farmers NPR spoke to for this story say the cost of keeping a farm running — including fertilizer and diesel fuel for farm equipment — has risen sharply. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 Meta’s free cash flow also fell sharply in the latest quarter. — Amit Joshi, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 The numbers offer an early indication of how sharply pursuit activity has changed in the roughly three months since the policy change. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 The backlash extends beyond liquor stores, with Canadian travel to the United States falling sharply. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharply
  1. neatly
  2. smartly
  3. carefully
Adverb
  • Her hair is straight and left down, tucked behind her ears so the cap frames her face neatly.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Store firewood neatly, preferably elevated and away from the house, and clear clutter that could shelter rodents.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of neatly
Adverb
  • Jeannette runs off to warn her parents, while Denise smartly makes a couple of calls from a nearby pay phone.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Brian Leonard’s smartly funny ode to his difficult daughter — a child whose behavior was so problematic, the family cycled through 28 therapists — offers plenty of chuckles, even with key questions left unanswered.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of smartly
Adverb
  • When concerns were raised about this contract, the Town took them seriously, reviewed the matter carefully, and acted promptly based on the findings.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But ranchers argue that livestock are carefully managed, while the movements of wild horses are less controlled.
    — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

sharping
sharply
sharpness
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Cite this Entry

“Sharply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharply. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sharply

Nglish: Translation of sharply for Spanish Speakers

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