1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
dogs, with their acute sense of smell, are used for finding toxic substances undetectable by humans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
famine caused by an acute shortage of grain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
experiencing acute distress over the misunderstanding with her best friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acute
Related article Research team reports longest successful transplant of a pig kidney into a human
A successful pig liver transplant would be a major advance for people with acute liver failure, even as a temporary bridge while awaiting a human donor organ.
—
Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Three days later, in a second life-and-death crisis, the pope suffered a pair of acute bronchiospasms episodes.
—Colleen Barry, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
The Legacy of Supersonic Travel The first steps toward commercial supersonic travel began in the 1960s, an era defined by bold technological feats and acute international rivalry.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The imbalance between the scarce supply of AI talent and the acute demand for it at Big Tech companies and startups alike, poses a looming predicament for the fast-growing AI industry.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Three days later, in a second life-and-death crisis, the pope suffered a pair of acute bronchiospasms episodes.
—Colleen Barry, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
The Legacy of Supersonic Travel The first steps toward commercial supersonic travel began in the 1960s, an era defined by bold technological feats and acute international rivalry.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The imbalance between the scarce supply of AI talent and the acute demand for it at Big Tech companies and startups alike, poses a looming predicament for the fast-growing AI industry.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
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Age is also a risk factor — older adults may already have issues with sleep due to existing health conditions, medications and chronic pain, and so may be especially sensitive to additional stress.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, how much caffeine is tolerable can vary from person to person, and some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.—
Emily Brown, MPH,
Verywell Health,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But starting last year, states were permitted to use the funds for a broader range of urgent public health needs, including monitoring and testing for other respiratory viruses, providing vaccines for children and uninsured adults and strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
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In Connecticut and across the country, suicide by gun accounts for over half of all gun deaths and access to firearms triples the risk of suicide, a stark reminder of the urgent need for mental health services.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Especially in the earliest stages, when the grind will be intense. Hammond: The honeymoon period is nearly over.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
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An intense look at the world of competitive bodybuilding and remake of a Argentine thriller top our roundup of this week’s new films.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Torrens’s work inspired me to find out more about Lascelles, who revealed himself to be a man of wit and keen insight in ...—
George Weigel,
National Review,
21 Mar. 2025
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Some keen planners even grow real rye grass to complement their haul!—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Both regions came under heavy attack during intensive Israeli air strikes.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Despite her apparent hypertension, a doctor cleared Diana Carey to be taken to a regular hospital floor instead of continuing intensive monitoring, according to the lawsuit.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Swedish forward was given a quick audition during the Sens’ blowout loss to the Avalanche earlier this week.—
Julian McKenzie,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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While this area did receive rain on Thursday, the blustery winds yesterday resulted in quick drying of fine fuels, which will dry further today.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Monday night’s fierce winds took it down, damaging the support structures in the process.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
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The result captures something rarely seen in sports marketing: fierce competitors actively supporting each other’s growth.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Danny Elfman Helped Jenna Ortega With Her Cello Playing On Wednesday Lucky for Jenna Ortega, Tim Burton’s longtime music collaborator Danny Elfman was able to step in to help the actor learn the instrument with sharp precision.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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This included everything from gauzy and sheer dresses, to sharp tailoring and suits.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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