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

In addition to sharpening intellect, fluorite helps Aquarius tap into their intuition. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025

Many will confront financial hardship as rents rise and competition sharpens for what was already a shortage of affordable housing. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025

The big picture: Democratic attorneys general, meanwhile, are sharpening plans to become the de facto blue state resistance to a second Trump term. —Megan Stringer, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

But in reality, every interview sharpens your skills, builds your confidence, and expands your professional network. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

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