1
as in sharpening
to make sharp or sharper
honed the knife's blade to razor-like sharpness honed his crossword-puzzle skills by reading the dictionary as though it were a thrilling novel
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2
as in rubbing
to make smooth by friction
honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp
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Recent Examples of honing
Success today goes beyond honing technical skills or climbing the corporate ladder.
—
Cindy Chia, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The students describe the feelings of accomplishment and community that come from honing their craft together.
—The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024
Below, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share examples of how honing the right attitude can accelerate, or hinder, one’s career progression.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
During their time together, Belli and Rooney led participants through exercises on practical sets aimed at honing their creative visions, technical craft, and communication and interpersonal skills.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
Prince Harry is immersed in philanthropic efforts, and Meghan is honing entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Jackman grew up in Canada before honing his chops at The Catbird Seat, in Nashville.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2024
Or Johnny Winter, honing his blues act with his long mane of white-blond hair, or Jim Morrison, lighting everyone on fire, including himself.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Nothing saves my serotonin levels like a brisk hot girl walk, plunge into frigid water, or honing my newbie ski skills on the slopes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024
Cindy Chia, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The students describe the feelings of accomplishment and community that come from honing their craft together.
—The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024
Below, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share examples of how honing the right attitude can accelerate, or hinder, one’s career progression.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
During their time together, Belli and Rooney led participants through exercises on practical sets aimed at honing their creative visions, technical craft, and communication and interpersonal skills.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
Prince Harry is immersed in philanthropic efforts, and Meghan is honing entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Jackman grew up in Canada before honing his chops at The Catbird Seat, in Nashville.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2024
Or Johnny Winter, honing his blues act with his long mane of white-blond hair, or Jim Morrison, lighting everyone on fire, including himself.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Nothing saves my serotonin levels like a brisk hot girl walk, plunge into frigid water, or honing my newbie ski skills on the slopes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honing
Verb
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Russia’s grinding war in Ukraine since 2022 has sucked in manpower and resources.Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
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The drink was made by grinding up cocoa seeds.Joe Difazio, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Some edits and modifications were implemented with the goal of polishing Shakespeare’s language to fit more contemporary voices, trimming down lengthy plots, and adapting 16th-century plays to 17th-century London’s smaller theaters.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2024
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The micro-polishing crystals remove dull skin and reveal a bright, smooth complexion.Bridget Degnan, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
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Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Honing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honing. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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