keenness

noun

Definition of keennessnext
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality the keenness of the knife should tell you that it was sharpened recently a writer famous for the keenness of her wit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences there's an enhanced keenness of hearing that young mothers seem to develop

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 keenness The firm is busy scouting for companies positioned to benefit from the Pentagon’s keenness to boost defense spending and find new ways to pay for it. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026 However, Jaissle’s stylistic footballing similarities and the German’s keenness for his deep-lying midfielders to be bold and capable of playing upfield swiftly, with precision, means Steur may have found continuity of sorts. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 And generally with these designers the matter of taste comes into play—be that Wun’s keenness for kitsch or Malhotra and Mishra’s indulgence. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 July 2026 Housing and homelessness is another key issue in Los Angeles, with voters expressing a keenness for it to be tackled. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 June 2026 The keenness of my letdown was dismaying. — Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keenness
  1. bitterness
  2. enthusiasm
  3. intelligence
  4. sensitivity
  5. bite
  6. thirst
  7. wit
  8. edge
Noun
  • Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Zelensky does not appear to be in a rush to hold elections and the public has shown little enthusiasm for heading to the polls as bombs fly overhead.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The strongman is failing, even as the opposition struggles to inspire a great deal of conviction and enthusiasm.
    — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiasm
Noun
  • The drills include amphibious landing, air and missile defense and mine sweeping, as well as intelligence gathering, logistics and resupply and casualty evacuation on several remote islands, including Tanegashima.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Other parts of government already contract out rocket launches, cloud storage, satellite intelligence and artificial-intelligence analysis to the tech sector.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • The researchers conducted the tests from September 8 to 11, using different sensor configurations to assess the system’s sensitivity.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Howard called additionally for a public apology from UMD's tennis club, sensitivity training for players and a donation of tournament funds to a local museum focused on African American history.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • There was no nasty DM needed or a post calling out the fan's thirst.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But neither remedy has removed the need for fossil fuels and no price spike has changed the thirst for oil.
    — Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of thirst
Noun
  • Much has been made of Winter’s idiosyncratic star power, and as an extremely tall, wet-dog-handsome instrumental virtuoso with a one-of-a-kind voice and just enough self-aware wit and lacerating lyricism to keep it relatable, that’s indisputable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Now completed by his son, David Greaves, this documentary offers an intimate time capsule of a generation’s wit, debates and unmistakable style — inviting audiences to spend an evening in the company of history.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge

Browse Nearby Words

keenly
keenness
keens
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Cite this Entry

“Keenness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keenness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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