sharpen up

verb

sharpened up; sharpening up; sharpens up
1
: to become better, smarter, more skillful, etc.
You'd better sharpen up if you want to keep your job.
2
: to improve (something)
I took a course to sharpen up my computer skills.

Examples of sharpen up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The offseason will be a chance to sharpen up these two or experiment with players from other position groups. — Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026 Now the company is looking to sharpen up those tools with a new evolution and printing currently crowdfunding. — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 As Buffy the Vampire Slayer prepares to sharpen up the old stake for a new generation, some things remain the same. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 How to Watch Buccaneers vs Bills The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–3) head into this matchup needing to sharpen up their offense. — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharpen up

Rhymes for sharpen up

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Browse Nearby Words

sharpening stone
sharpen up
sharper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sharpen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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