sharply

adverb

Definition of sharplynext
as in neatly
in a strikingly neat and trim manner sharply dressed groomsmen at a formal wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sharply Hostilities at sea have ‌escalated sharply with attacks by both sides on ports and commercial shipping, pushing ‌up global grain prices. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 New York City on Wednesday announced that AI tools will be banned in public grade and middle schools and sharply limited for high school students. — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 3 Sep. 2026 New York — Global bond yields are up sharply in recent weeks and US oil prices are near $90 per barrel. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 LeVota, reached by phone on Tuesday, denied the allegations in Garza’s complaint and sharply criticized Garza’s performance as his chief of staff. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Entry denials have risen sharply over the past year and for reasons that did not constitute grounds for denial previously, including suspicions of anti-Israel views, say Israeli lawyers who represent travelers who were denied entry. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 The experiment comes as Chile's Humboldt penguin population declines sharply. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 As with Road to Jericho, NAZA is a documentary from Israeli filmmakers that is sharply critical of the Israeli government. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Nigeria’s naira currency, which weakened sharply under Tinubu following devaluations, has appreciated 12% in the twelve months to June. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharply
  1. neatly
  2. smartly
  3. carefully
Adverb
  • The unit folds in half to fit neatly inside the storage compartment below the solar awning.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Whether your granny skirt is floral, lace, linen, or neatly pleated, the formula is surprisingly simple.
    — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of neatly
Adverb
  • Again, Marmoush stays alert despite not receiving the ball and continues to linger on the last line, eventually latching onto a Haaland through ball and finishing smartly into the corner.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At the top end, suites are spacious and cheerfully appointed, with smartly outfitted living rooms, double sinks in the bathrooms, robes, and patterned ceramics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of smartly
Adverb
  • Explosives were carefully used to clear a path before army rescuers continued to meticulously dig by hand to reach any survivors inside.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His carefully coiffed side parting is as immaculate as his smile, something which distinguishes him from the rest of his party whose members tend to grimace rather than grin.
    — Esme Nicholson, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

sharping
sharply
sharpness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sharply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharply. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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