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

• grind
• hone
• whet
• stone

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

That practical foundation, coupled with an innate creative sensibility, has sharpened her business acumen. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

Thirty years in state government sharpened her instincts. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025

Curiosity is what sharpens our intellectual powers, and keeps us mentally active well into our golden years. —Anthony Fredericks, CNBC, 11 July 2025

Since longer attention spans are linked to better overall well-being, finding ways to sharpen our focus is increasingly important in today’s tech-heavy world. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 10 July 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