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

Use a whetstone to sharpen pruning shears and other blades. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024

So take note for the rest of this year’s party season, and sharpen those scissors first. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024

Neanderthals made such tools by chipping away at flint to sharpen them into triangular shapes. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

He’s been able to sharpen the bits in this hour of stand-up through a series of co-headlining gigs and a New York City residency with his friend and fellow talk show host John Oliver. —William Earl, Variety, 22 Nov. 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