as in neatly
in a strikingly neat and trim manner
sharply dressed groomsmen at a formal wedding
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Recent Examples of sharply
Over the past few decades, wealth and political power have concentrated sharply at the top, with the political giving of the 100 richest Americans surging more than 100-fold since 2000 and far outpacing the rising cost of campaigns.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Democrats have sharply criticized ICE.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
But Chicagoans were sharply divided on enforcement — and the city’s sanctuary status — by race, income and age.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
Reaction online is sharply divided, with some commenters lamenting the loss of traditional school experiences.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
As the adoption of low-carbon technologies accelerates, demand for these critical minerals is expected to rise sharply.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Outlying areas presented a more sharply mixed picture in December.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 2026
That is a situation in which higher-income consumers — insulated by home values and stock market gains — continue to spend freely, while lower-income households increasingly struggle to pay for everyday expenses and sharply cut back.
—Allie Canal, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026
Shares of credit card companies such as American Express, JPMorgan, Citigroup, Capital One and others fell sharply Monday as investors worried about the potential hit to profits these banks may face if an interest rate cap were implemented.
—Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Democrats have sharply criticized ICE.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
But Chicagoans were sharply divided on enforcement — and the city’s sanctuary status — by race, income and age.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
Reaction online is sharply divided, with some commenters lamenting the loss of traditional school experiences.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
As the adoption of low-carbon technologies accelerates, demand for these critical minerals is expected to rise sharply.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Outlying areas presented a more sharply mixed picture in December.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 2026
That is a situation in which higher-income consumers — insulated by home values and stock market gains — continue to spend freely, while lower-income households increasingly struggle to pay for everyday expenses and sharply cut back.
—Allie Canal, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026
Shares of credit card companies such as American Express, JPMorgan, Citigroup, Capital One and others fell sharply Monday as investors worried about the potential hit to profits these banks may face if an interest rate cap were implemented.
—Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharply
Adverb
-
Designed with a flat pocket, zip pocket, and even a key holder, this crossbody keeps all your travel necessities neatly organized without sacrificing elegance.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Use the 60-liter bags to neatly stow anything from bedding and off-season clothes to toys and bath linens.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The silky fibers are smartly engineered to absorb moisture and promote airflow, helping even the warmest sleepers stay comfortable all night long.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Bishop smartly fell to the turf and the game was over with the Jaguars not possessing any timeouts.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Every detail is carefully considered, right down to the moon-like globe lighting (which we're told is meant to emulate the bulbs surrounding a starlet's dressing room mirrors), and a calming palette of forest greens, powder pinks and deep blues gives the space a classic yet contemporary feel.—
Cassie Doney,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Measure carefully and note the pattern repeat if there is one.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sharply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharply. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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