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

Instead, double down on nurturing customer relationships, enhancing user experience and sharpening your differentiation. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

As future data sharpens these measurements, the findings could point us in a weird new direction – perhaps even challenging Einstein’s theory of gravity itself. —Ashley Ross, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025

And that’s the new version of these Knicks — one born out of necessity, and now sharpened for the stretch run. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025

If managed well, this can be a constructive inflection point: a chance to sharpen CISA’s focus, streamline its operations and reinforce coordination with both the private sector and other federal agencies. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Rhymes for sharpen

• tarpon
• pilocarpine

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