SHARPEN Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

sharpen

verb

ˈshär-pən

Definition of sharpen

as in to grind

to make sharp or sharper you need to sharpen your penknife's blade frequently in order to be able to whittle properly

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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 sharpen While the Nike Running playbook has led the way in its turnaround efforts, Hill also spoke about efforts to sharpen its focus with consumers. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 Gaining a better understanding of these processes would do the most to sharpen sea-level projections. — Robert Kopp, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 How Trump policies may affect bond issuers Ethics experts note that while municipal debt generally presents a more remote conflict of interest than corporate stock, concerns sharpen when federal action directly targets an issuer. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 An executive at Johnson Controls with experience as a project architect and manager, Kozlowski said his professional background had sharpened his approach to city projects, management and decision-making. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen

Verb

Hitler wanted more dead, but his early lightning victories—Poland beaten in weeks, France in forty days—had turned into a grinding nightmare for the Nazis.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
The Raunchiest Miley Cyrus shocked viewers by stripping down to a nude bikini top and briefs and grinding, twerking and thrusting on fellow performer Robin Thicke at the 2013 show in one of the raciest performances in MTV history.

— Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

But Canales said Sunday provided him and Evans, who has primarily served as a special teams player for Carolina, an opportunity to hone his coverage skills.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Walnut, aged brass, honed marble, and linen textiles also stand out beautifully against its dark, smoky presence.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of hone

Verb

The set-closer peaked with Campbell and Tench trading solos in an extended jam, only further whetting the crowd’s collective appetite for more and closing the case for a tour.

— Adam Gold, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
But the talent on display whets the appetite for the multihyphenate’s next projects after this work’s debut in Venice as part of the wider Biennale College.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of whet

Browse Nearby Words

sharped

sharpen

sharpened

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“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpen. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpen

verb

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