acute

adjective

ə-ˈkyüt How to pronounce acute (audio)
Definition of acutenext
1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences dogs, with their acute sense of smell, are used for finding toxic substances undetectable by humans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention famine caused by an acute shortage of grain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect experiencing acute distress over the misunderstanding with her best friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acute contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

In what contexts can keen take the place of acute?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

When could sharp be used to replace acute?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

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 acute Concentrations as far as 21 miles away in Midtown Atlanta exceeded federal acute exposure guideline levels by a threshold of four. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 The Irkutsk region, home to a Rosneft oil refinery, has experienced acute shortages for several days, with lines growing, Kharitonenko said. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Runcie is sharply attuned to the vast uncomfortable grey areas of gender and power relations, navigating them with wry, revelatory observations that are devastatingly acute. — Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 Therapeutic housing unit allows closure of facility The now-shuttered North Infirmary Command most recently housed 223 people with acute medical needs who required hospital-level care. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
  1. sensitive
  2. urgent
  3. intense
  4. keen
  5. intensive
  6. quick
  7. fierce
  8. sharp
Adjective
  • Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
    — Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
    — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 1 July 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.
    — Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The industry conversation around funding reform is urgent precisely because this generation deserves a system that matches their ambition and offers them a future.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • He is usually reserved but has a pleasant personality and a keen sense of humor.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The Athletic reported in April that Everton are keen for Grealish to return to the club this summer, having returned to Manchester City.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of keen
Adjective
  • The jockeys take on months of intensive training in order to ride in the Ladies’ Race.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • On the flip side, semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most complex and energy-intensive industrial processes in the world, with emissions projected to reach 277 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • But upon closer inspection Mbiya appears significantly leaner and quicker.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • In addition to the sharp shape, the coffee brown shade gives the bag a more elevated feel.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • During male puberty, rising testosterone drives the cartilage to grow forward and meet at a sharper angle, while simultaneously lengthening the vocal folds and vocal tract housed just behind it.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of sharp

Browse Nearby Words

acumen
acute
acutely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on acute

Nglish: Translation of acute for Spanish Speakers

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