sharpness

noun

Definition of sharpnessnext
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality he found that the bland crackers helped cut the sharpness of the cheese

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness dress warmly; there's a bit of sharpness in the air today

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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

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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

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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 With longer working lives and growing dependence on technology fueling anxieties about mental sharpness, Ramsden says, her clients are getting younger, too. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 Regular garlic brings sharpness, heat and that familiar savory bite, while black garlic is sweeter, softer and more umami-forward, so swapping it in can noticeably change a dish. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026 Aston Martin had long carved out something of its own space in the fast-car world, but with the all-new Vantage, the automaker both moved down in price and up in sharpness, putting it head to head with the likes of the iconic Porsche 911. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 This midlife window gives us the opening to set our brains up for years of mental sharpness. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026 The process sounds similar to Apple’s excellent nano-texture finishes, but Amazon seems to believe its method comes with even fewer tradeoffs in contrast and sharpness. — David Pierce, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 On top of the coffee, there are molasses hints in the sauce thanks to the brown sugar and a slight bite from the sharpness of the apple cider vinegar, too. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2026 Almost a decade later in its Broadway debut, it’s lost none of that, and White’s production — perhaps inevitably given the arc of those passing years — adds sharpness to its cruelties and weight to its grief. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026 Butchering an animal, removing its skin and processing its meat could each require a different balance of sharpness, precision and durability. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpness
  1. bitterness
  2. chill
  3. intelligence
  4. sensitivity
  5. edge
  6. chilliness
  7. wit
  8. bite
Noun
  • The bitterness this caused would help lead to the rise of radical elements in Germany—Erzberger was murdered in 1921, and Hitler would come to power over the next decade—eventually bringing about the Second World War.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • As the middle of three children, Harding identifies his personality as laidback and chill.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet; chill until top of mousse feels set, about 2 hours.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • Author Yuval Noah Harari has been pointing out the difference between consciousness and intelligence.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Floris was a former top intelligence analyst in charge at the bureau's Washington Field Office, while Benavides was the former deputy assistant director at the FBI's Counterintelligence Division.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • Remaining awake late also coincides with the hours when human insulin sensitivity is at its lowest.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Action Button has proved somewhat controversial since its release, with users on social media like Reddit criticizing its placement and sensitivity.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Scientists are exploring whether the flu vaccine can disrupt tumors, providing another treatment along with expensive cutting-edge care.
    — Elie Dolgin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Ukraine is working to improve its interception capabilities for both, but at the moment, experts said, the Russian weapons have an edge.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Or that Penélope Cruz’s sultry chilliness would jibe with either her male counterparts or Wilde’s diary-of-a-mad-housewife interpretation of a brittle, eager-to-impress woman brimming with creative frustration.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
Definition of chilliness
Noun
  • The fact that Jones, who lacks both talent and wit, survived for so long at ESPN and in sports media is an indictment of both institutions.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Many members of the military special forces who Kirk worked with probably couldn't keep their wits in a similar situation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • As the guests arrived on the wedding day, they were treated to cocktails and delicious bites before taking a seat in the ceremony area.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Serve chocolate cranberry bites, this zippy bundt cake or this cranberry curd tart on the dessert table.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bite

Browse Nearby Words

sharply
sharpness
sharps
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Cite this Entry

“Sharpness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpness. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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