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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

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sharp

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noun (1)

sharp

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verb

sharpness

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noun (2)

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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 sharp
Adjective
The postseason, when each opponent likely has a sharp quarterback, might be another story. Ben Standig, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The sharpest attacks, however, were leveled against Adam Smith, the Scottish economist who became the perfect straw-man for early American protectionists. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Noun
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024 But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks. Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023 Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets. Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.
    Michelle Woo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ahn and Schamus seek to answer that question with the knowledge that acceptance brings pointed complications of its own.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sword has a pointed blade and was made with an iron antennae and copper spheres, according to the release.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Its stylish design and advanced features ensure future-proof functionality, even as 4K streaming is becoming more common.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Walking on stage for the NFL Draft wasn’t just about putting on a new hat, sporting a stylish suit and being greeted by commissioner Roger Goodell.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people prefer more minimal styles and want a midi dress that’s simple and elegant and easy to accessorize.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
  • The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The word itself began life as a British colonial term, probably a corruption of kutu, a Malay word for lice and other biting insects.
    Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But the two-hour, 40-minute script by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan is smart, biting, playful and swift-paced.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Without resources or expertise to vet influencers properly, these companies become vulnerable to deceptive practices.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In 2022, the California DMV sued Tesla, saying the company engaged in deceptive marketing and advertising practices around its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The company says its goal is to help small teams power smarter, faster growth without technical overhead.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Daisy Ridley's Rey is wicked smart and a capable hero in a universe with the baddies of the First Order on the warpath.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Halsey launched her acting career at the age of 7, playing Madeline Zott, the hyper intelligent — and wise — daughter of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in Apple TV+ praised limited series Lessons In Chemistry.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • As organizations push for more adaptive, intelligent automation, AI agents are emerging as the next frontier, capable of handling complex workflows with greater flexibility and efficiency.
    Uli Erxleben, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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