keen 1 of 3

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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keen

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noun

keen

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective keen contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and sharp are common synonyms of keen. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

In what contexts can acute take the place of keen?

The meanings of acute and keen largely overlap; however, acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When would sharp be a good substitute for keen?

While the synonyms sharp and keen are close in meaning, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of keen
Adjective
Reese still lets herself get sped up at times under the rim — especially when guarded by keen defenders such as Napheesa Collier — but Sykes praised her for improving her ball placement and patience in those opportunities. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 Now, Women’s March is keen to revive its unifying X-factor amid Trump’s second term, attempting to meet the moment with multi-racial, intersectional, and multifaceted activism. Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
For those keen to explore the country deeper and differently, Vinho Verde awaits. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023 For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant. Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023
Verb
However, by the second movement, Kavakos’s violin keened a melancholy, aria-esque melody in iridescent threads of sound, answered in turn by a cool flute. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023 In these wondrously transporting images of juddering waves and swirling particles, accompanied by the rumbling, surging, keening strains of Ludwig Göransson’s magnificent score, Nolan makes a rare leap into realms of pure cinematic abstraction. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for keen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
  • However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild skin irritation, which is often more prevalent with higher percentages of urea.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Her role focused on safeguarding the CFPB's sensitive data, including transaction records from credit reporting agencies, complaints filed by citizens, and information from Big Tech companies under investigation.
    Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Chad and Darlene confide in each other and bond, a little too closely, over their similar biting humor.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The following day, during an episode on his Never Shut Up podcast and YouTube show, Wiley compared Clark’s remarks in reaction to Jackson’s defeat to his more biting words following Allen’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in last year’s NFL Divisional Playoff Round.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And for quick touch-ups on dry hair, there’s a setting that goes up to 320°F.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In his final words his team before tip-off, Skerry stressed filling the gaps on defense, turning defensive rebounds into quick transition offense, and running a first offensive play featuring sophomore guard and CAA Player of the Year Tyler Tejada.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After an excellent debut, Nikki Glaser has unsurprisingly been tapped to host the Golden Globes again.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Next Chapter in Glenlivet's 200-Year Legacy The Glenlivet brand has been synonymous with excellent single malt since the dawn of the category.
    Mark Littler, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While some locals are excited to gossip about the church, others are much more tight-lipped.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
  • March Madness is here and fans are excited to watch one of the more popular events of the sports calendar year.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Already, court challenges against the president’s latest moves are emerging, and intense mainstream media coverage has, of course, cast what he’s done in a highly negative light.
    The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Those harsh, swelling wails of warning become the film’s punctuating sonic motif — in stark contrast to the buoyant, babbling vocal interjections of Alexey Shmurak’s unexpected a cappella score, a literal chorus of humanity amid the chaos.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Peart also became the band’s primary lyricist, and Lee delivering Peart’s dense and philosophical lyrics with a high, piercing wail became a defining characteristic of Rush’s sound.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Appeals court rules Trump can implement anti-DEI executive orders for now In address about vision for DOJ, Trump complains about prior probes In: Joe Biden Donald Trump January 6 Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Biden complained when the courts blocked his efforts to forgive student loan debt.
    Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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