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
Linda Marx, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Those espousing the virtues in working as a server or porter as a teen or college student are now usually high-level executives keen to craft a LinkedIn post or soundbite that resonates.
—Amanda Kavanagh | This Column Was Created By Jobbio, The Hill, 1 Nov. 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
However, Melania, 54, is not so keen on relocating to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the source says.
—Linda Marx, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Those espousing the virtues in working as a server or porter as a teen or college student are now usually high-level executives keen to craft a LinkedIn post or soundbite that resonates.
—Amanda Kavanagh | This Column Was Created By Jobbio, The Hill, 1 Nov. 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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The group is known for deploying ransomware that encrypts data and uses double extortion tactics, threatening to release sensitive information on its dark web leak site if ransom demands are not met.Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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With their hearing about four times more sensitive than a human's, bees and other flying insects can wreak havoc on dogs.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The sketch seemed to be SNL’s attempt to balance the cold open’s levity with a more biting tone about the wearying stakes of deciding the nation’s leadership.Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2024
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Will Ari craft a biting lyric finally addressing it?Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Don’t be too quick to buy into something that is a fleeting desire.Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
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This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver premium sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a sleek, durable design.Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
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Later in the day, someone older or more experienced might have excellent advice for you.Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
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Universal Studios is apparently just as eager as Back to the Future fans for a fourth film — but director Robert Zemeckis isn’t as excited about the possibility.Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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People with conditions like diabetes may take taurine supplements daily for extended periods, while one-time doses of taurine may be helpful before an intense workout or athletic competition.Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Auto dealers who sell its products have complained that high prices have left inventories piling up.Melvin Backman, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
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The tenants complained of bug bites and a growing roach problem.Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The clip opens on a dark and spooky night, complete with a full moon, howling wolves and a steady rain falling on a haunted mansion.Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024
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People's hearts broke hearing the dog howling for his owners.Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 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 Nov. 2024.
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