sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ 

ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper

especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper

sharpener

ˈshär-pə-nər 

ˈshärp-nər

noun

Synonyms

• edge
• grind
• hone
• stone
• strop
• whet

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

Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, also has sharpened his attack and has begun to hurl personal zingers at Trump. —Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

The competitive dynamic among streamers has sharpened Netflix’s hunger. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024

This experience sharpened my ability to anticipate customer desires while reminding me that tastes evolve over time. —Noel Burgess, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile, Harris has been calling Trump's mental state into question on the campaign trail in recent days, while sharpening her criticism of the former president. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ 

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 

noun