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 Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes. — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Sport mode sits closer to the 21C’s natural operating balance, engaging both the combustion engine and electric systems for full output while firming up the damping and sharpening responses. — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 Local partner agencies from the Northern San Diego Operational Zone have been invited to participate, Carranza said, to sharpen their crews’ skills and strengthen working relationships in the area. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 Washington’s scrutiny has sharpened in recent weeks, with federal officials intervening in model releases on national-security grounds and state attorneys general opening investigations. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpen

Verb

These matchups are intense and, usually, grind-it-out battles of attrition between two proud soccer nations.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Then, Djokovic had the skills to blow his opponents away, but could also grind them down if needed, knowing that his superior fitness and durability would more than likely win out.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

While students honed their skills at the Santa Monica studio for the last year and four months, Blanck found an old pilates studio in Pacific Highlands for rent, but the numbers just didn't add up.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Dedicated To Making Gorgeous Things Before launching his eponymous brand Artur spent a decade honing his craft at his family’s leather workshops with his father Oleksandr.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of hone

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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sharpen

verb

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