sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-niŋ
Synonyms of sharpennext

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper
especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper
sharpener
ˈshär-pə-nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-nər
noun

Synonyms of sharpen

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Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Can you sharpen the image? The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic. The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.
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.
At Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, our faculty developed an AI Patient Actor to help medical-school students sharpen their communication and interpersonal skills with the benefit of real-time feedback. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 The fruit’s naturally bitter edge is sharpened by pimento, giving the opening a subtle kick, while patchouli, vetiver, and moss bring a deeper, earthier dimension. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The experience sharpened her understanding of the gap between the freedoms advertised to women and those actually available to them. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 Expect the trend to sharpen into its own lane over the next 12 to 18 months, with three plausible developments worth tracking. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sharpen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sharpen was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing sharpen

Rhymes for sharpen

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Browse Nearby Words

shar-pei
sharpen
sharpener
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sharpen

verb
sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
1
: to make or become sharp or sharper
sharpen a pencil
a better lens sharpened the image
pain that suddenly sharpened
2
: improve
sharpen one's skills
sharpener
ˈshärp-(ə-)nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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