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
Salonen’s more acute approach, not exactly angry but exceptionally determined, was another kind of monument to the power of sound.
—
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The Petersons’ all-in enthusiasm stemmed from their interest in art, politics, music, architecture, travel and more, as well as having not only a keen interest in others, but also acute listening skills.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
The worry about social skills was particularly acute for those whose kids were in middle school during the pandemic.
—Charley Locke, Vox, 16 June 2025
Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The Petersons’ all-in enthusiasm stemmed from their interest in art, politics, music, architecture, travel and more, as well as having not only a keen interest in others, but also acute listening skills.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
The worry about social skills was particularly acute for those whose kids were in middle school during the pandemic.
—Charley Locke, Vox, 16 June 2025
Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
American military and diplomatic outposts across the globe are on high alert after a U.S. bombing raid on Saturday struck three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a widening regional war.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
23 June 2025
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Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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As Donald Trump was convening an emergency meeting of his National Security Council to discuss the increasingly urgent developments in the Middle East, Vice President JD Vance was meeting with Republicans on Capitol Hill.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
18 June 2025
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If a passenger or crew member requires urgent medical attention that cannot be managed onboard, the captain may divert the ship to the nearest port with adequate facilities.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Drilling defense: Every day at practice, the Broncos execute intense, one-on-one, full-court defensive slide drills.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
-
There were times when the twin drama got too intense.—
Maris Kreizman,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The first is that in the context of ‘zero fiscal space’ the constraints imposed by high levels of debt and deficits, will drive new splits within parties, for example between those who are keen to spend more on defence, versus those who wish to preserve social welfare safety nets.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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The director was also keen to flex about his new theater’s impressive hardware.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Meta is also making major investments in geothermal technology as a less fossil fuel–intensive way to generate power.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Apex scavengers are disproportionately affected by activities like intensive livestock production, land use changes and the wildlife trade.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Your tongue may be quick to lash out under the Leo moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
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The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The Supreme Court cases that set off the fiercest conflicts among the justices aren’t always the hot-button ones.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
25 June 2025
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The land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties and bloody betrayals.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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That’s how North Beach, the Miami Beach neighborhood that stands in sharp contrast to oft-electric South Beach, was usually described.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Its exterior is an awkward mashup of new and old ideas—the sharp roofline and giant windscreen give off the impression the car has been crushed—though its dual-color paint job and full-width headlights really work.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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