sharp 1 of 4

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
However, after the provision ended, there was a sharp reduction in the number of people enrolled, which KFF argued was partly because some people did not understand the unwinding process. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 Her new found edge is attributed to the sharp rise in the number of homicides in the country — more than 700 in both January and February this year, according to the Interior Ministry. Carrie Kahn, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Adverb
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Noun
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024 But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks. Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023 Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets. Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • During the live broadcast, the verbal sparring escalated as Stratton made pointed comments directed at Charlotte's professional legacy and personal life.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The broadcast networks are likely to focus on their ability to snare a younger cohort of viewers between 18 and 49, and to promote their news programming as a place that avoids some of the pointed debate that can be an element of many cable offerings.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This hat offers a throwback ‘90s look while keeping you stylish and protected.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The film, directed by music video god Mark Romanek, is characteristically stylish — shot on a 35mm Kodak film stock that gives its sci-fi a naturalistic, dreamily vintage feel.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of his biting posts have gone viral, drawing thousands of shares and millions of views.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The criticism from Barney Ronay at The Guardian was even more biting.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Battering ram with deceptive speed (4.51), but struggles catching the ball.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Key attributes: Explosive speed, deceptive footwork for separation.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The style is a challenge: should their comedy be smart and savvy or broad and easy-going?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Generative artificial intelligence will lead to a generation of humans that will use this tool to become 120% smarter than the generation before them—this is the singularity of hope.
    Sam Sammane, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That was when Livingstone started inventing tasks at home, and was delighted to see the intelligent dog learning new commands fast.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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