Synonyms of keen
1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
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2
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
the keen wind gave me chapped lips
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3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
lanced the boil with a keen scalpel
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4
as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind
readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical
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5
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that new digital camera sure is keen
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6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry
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7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else
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as in wail
a crying out in grief
the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city
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1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid
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1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the keenness of the knife should tell you that it was sharpened recently a writer famous for the keenness of her wit
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2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest
was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster
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3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued
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4
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
there's an enhanced keenness of hearing that young mothers seem to develop
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of keen
Noah Rothman, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024
And, whereas the Republicans romanticize a bygone world, the R.N. is keen to present itself as a forward-looking concern.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023
All three species are, in fact, powerful stimulants, and, as such, have long attracted those keen to enjoy their attributes.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022
Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2023
Ayler burst onto the New York scene, in 1963, with a roaring and screeching and keening fervor that left behind conventional forms of rhythm and harmony but added the folk elements of spirituals, marches, and blues—and a realm of spirits and ghosts that inhabit those forms.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for keen 
Adjective
America’s Enemies Are More Steadfast Than America Critics of the U.S.-led post–Cold War order as well as its supporters are keen to note that ...
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024
And, whereas the Republicans romanticize a bygone world, the R.N. is keen to present itself as a forward-looking concern.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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
All three species are, in fact, powerful stimulants, and, as such, have long attracted those keen to enjoy their attributes.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022
Verb
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
Ayler burst onto the New York scene, in 1963, with a roaring and screeching and keening fervor that left behind conventional forms of rhythm and harmony but added the folk elements of spirituals, marches, and blues—and a realm of spirits and ghosts that inhabit those forms.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for keen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
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Over the following nine days, attackers allegedly exfiltrated terabytes of sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, financial information, and electronic health records.Lars Daniel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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Other sensitive spots that passengers—especially folks over age 50—might not think about are the knees and ankles, reports Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky.Sara Button, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024
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Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Short books to read to meet your reading goal Need a short book to cap off your 2024 reading or a quick, immersive read to get you out of a reading slump?Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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Humans must remain in the loop, and treating human interaction like a premium service is a quick route to irritating many customers.Todd Fisher, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Develop Mobile Apps Another excellent and popular idea to build passive income is app creation.Rachel Wells, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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With its combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and affordability, Turkey—and Vera Clinic in particular—is an excellent choice for anyone seeking exceptional hair restoration results.William Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement Prospective renters shouldn’t get too excited, however.Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
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And, in fact, the American consumer today, as well as corporate America, is quite excited about what the Trump administration is talking about, and the business environment is very positive.CBS News, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Media coverage of Walker’s messy private life has been intense.Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
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All that pollution has already triggered more intense storms, wildfires, droughts, and other climate disasters.Justine Calma, The Verge, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Girding for battle at USC Pay is at the center of union organizing at USC, where non-tenure track professors complain of semester-to-semester contracts with little job security, minimal or nonexistent raises and moves by the university to cut benefits.Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
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If corporate leaders complain about these directives’ effects on their bottom lines, Trump’s team could force CISA to scale back its use of this authority.Eric Geller, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
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Ducati purists howled their displeasure at the change, but complaints faded away as the race wins - and showroom sales - quickly piled up.William Roberson, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
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The approximately one-mile light show allows visitors to enjoy more than 100 installations depicting ice skating bears, jumping reindeer, a holiday golfer, howling wolves and more, all while sitting in their own vehicles listening to holiday songs on a closed-circuit radio station, organizers said.David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 27 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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