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.
More than 70 years later, designers are sharpening it once again. — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026 Active caregiving fundamentally transforms men into better leaders by sharpening skills like empathy and emotional intelligence. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 If Washington can sharpen its demands and communicate them consistently, both sides will be better able to focus negotiations and develop more viable plans for implementation—leading to a more durable agreement. — Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 The Islamic Republic is executing Iranians in record numbers and has sharpened its tools of repression. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 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

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