1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
he found that the bland crackers helped cut the sharpness of the cheese
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
dress warmly; there's a bit of sharpness in the air today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
possesses a political sharpness that most campaign managers would envy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
possesses the proverbial sharpness of an eagle's eye
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sharpness
Striker Marko Arnautovic, 37, showed some sharpness and scored a penalty.
—
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Their furniture and home objects tend to favor serenity over sharpness and the handmade over the hyperpolished.
—Aditi Sharma, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026
Repeat this process as needed to return the blades to optimal sharpness.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Near the end of the play, Majok’s script becomes, like Mann’s score, flatter and broader in its messaging, losing some of its sharpness of observation, and the humor that characterizes Kaysen’s memoir fades.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
Debate can become one way of doing that, especially in cultures where sharpness is mistaken for intelligence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
But constructing ever-bulkier hardware rapidly runs into physical and economic obstacles that limit the size of any single telescope and the sharpness of our cosmic views.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
The impression — built around Carlson’s rising incredulity and a jagged, brittle laugh — quickly spread online, earning praise for its sharpness and timing.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
The border collie not only knows how to herd sheep, but also which sheep to herd with patience and which sheep need a bit more sharpness.
—Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Their furniture and home objects tend to favor serenity over sharpness and the handmade over the hyperpolished.
—Aditi Sharma, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026
Repeat this process as needed to return the blades to optimal sharpness.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Near the end of the play, Majok’s script becomes, like Mann’s score, flatter and broader in its messaging, losing some of its sharpness of observation, and the humor that characterizes Kaysen’s memoir fades.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
Debate can become one way of doing that, especially in cultures where sharpness is mistaken for intelligence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
But constructing ever-bulkier hardware rapidly runs into physical and economic obstacles that limit the size of any single telescope and the sharpness of our cosmic views.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
The impression — built around Carlson’s rising incredulity and a jagged, brittle laugh — quickly spread online, earning praise for its sharpness and timing.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
The border collie not only knows how to herd sheep, but also which sheep to herd with patience and which sheep need a bit more sharpness.
—Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpness
Noun
-
Add the lime juice just before serving to preserve brightness and prevent bitterness.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
How did someone emerge from such darkness without becoming consumed by bitterness?—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The batches were distilled between January 2015 and April 2016, the whiskey was aged for a full decade in char #4 barrels with char #3 heads, and it was bottled at 102 proof without chill filtration.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 June 2026
-
For example, North Georgia typically receives 750 to 900 chill hours, while South Georgia receives fewer than 600, making variety selection critical for reliable fruit production, Kirk-Ballard says.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
If intelligence compounds as Nadella predicts, this time there will be a real first-mover advantage that didn’t exist in the internet era.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
-
Examples could include processing Earth observation data from satellites, military or intelligence data processing, scientific computing related to space missions, or specialized computing for satellites and other space assets.—
Sven Bilén,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Loznitsa and Mutu, who was born in what was back in the day the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic of the Soviet Union, have worked together on several films, and the director explains why and how the director of photography’s sensitivities fit his first film so well.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
-
Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals' weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Most recently, his stunning lead performance in Project Hail Mary captivated audiences around the world, proving his extraordinary ability to carry a film with grace, wit, and profound emotional power.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
-
The event, which was attended by the players' family and close friends, featured a performance by A Boogie wit da Hoodie and a champagne toast by star point guard Brunson with his teammates.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Aguirre hoped his team would shake off nerves following the emotional opener at Azteca Stadium and show more bite in its second game against South Korea, but his team didn’t have much power behind its attack during the game’s first 45 minutes.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Nosh on lamb skewers or savor bites of sweet plantains.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Scientists may have problem-solving skills, insight and knowledge in abundance.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
And in a bizarre flash of insight this Windy City denizen created one of the great warm weather whiskey drinks of our time.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sharpness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpness. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
