SHARPLY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

sharply

adverb

Definition of sharply

as in neatly

in a strikingly neat and trim manner sharply dressed groomsmen at a formal wedding

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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 sharply The kind and volume of content being sought are being defined more sharply. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 The share of parents who believe their children share their commitment to giving back fell even more sharply to 65% from 76%. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026 As a consequence, power costs have risen sharply throughout the PJM, which covers more than 65 million people, primarily in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors sharply disputed that portrayal, arguing Flynn has never accepted responsibility or shown genuine remorse. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Gas prices have sharply decreased this week, plunging nearly 30 cents a gallon in Florida. — Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 The plane also descended sharply from its cruising altitude of around 24,000 feet to around 10,000 feet, according to preliminary data from flight tracking site FlightRadar24. — John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 The initial euphoria in Israel over the resourcefulness of passengers and crew who saved a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv from crashing has faded, with attention shifting sharply to the apparent security failure that almost led to a catastrophe. — Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 The percentage of flu tests coming back positive has also risen sharply, signaling that the virus is spreading more widely in the community. — Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharply

Adverb

Her beauty look, with gleaming skin and braids pulled back neatly, was similarly unfussy.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
Green fragrances are gaining ground as shoppers move away from sweet gourmands and heavy vanilla scents, and tomato leaf fits neatly into that shift toward fresher, more botanical profiles.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

Incredibly easy to style, these effortless shoes pair casually with jeans, smartly with trousers or a skirt, or elegantly with your favorite fall dress.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026
There was nothing that had escaped being stamped with the Festival’s ubiquitous emblem–sweets, cigarettes, perfume, even sandals–Specially designed to keep you cool and smartly shod for fun-loving Festival walking!

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of smartly

Adverb

People with eating disorders may exhibit compulsive behaviors around both exercise and eating, including working out for multiple hours every day and carefully calculating every aspect of their diet.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Some of these spaces were inhabited by horses or llamas, but many were just sown with Kentucky blue grass that was carefully cut every weekend.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

sharping

sharply

sharpness

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“Sharply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharply. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharply

adverb

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