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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keen
Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
Pop singer-songwriter Sia has always been keen on keeping her personal life private — so private, that according to a new report, the singer welcomed her third child almost a year ago.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025
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
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
Adjective
Ray Nicholson wasn’t always keen on being an actor like his famous father, Jack Nicholson.
—Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
Pop singer-songwriter Sia has always been keen on keeping her personal life private — so private, that according to a new report, the singer welcomed her third child almost a year ago.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 19 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
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Age is also a risk factor — older adults may already have issues with sleep due to existing health conditions, medications and chronic pain, and so may be especially sensitive to additional stress.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, how much caffeine is tolerable can vary from person to person, and some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.—
Emily Brown, MPH,
Verywell Health,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many of his biting posts have gone viral, drawing thousands of shares and millions of views.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
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The criticism from Barney Ronay at The Guardian was even more biting.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Swedish forward was given a quick audition during the Sens’ blowout loss to the Avalanche earlier this week.—
Julian McKenzie,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Mothers who had kids in quick succession, like her, validated why their experience was challenging.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That's an excellent question, what the perception is Elon Musk has.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2025
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As one of the few Black doctors in Kansas City after the Civil Rights era, Carter established a family practice that provided excellent care to local residents.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Julianne being available and excited, wanting to come and play in the sandbox; James, similarly.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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So, when the opportunity to visit Tanzania arose, I was intrigued and excited to embark on this journey.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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An intense look at the world of competitive bodybuilding and remake of a Argentine thriller top our roundup of this week’s new films.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2025
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After the match finished in a 1-1 draw, Ferguson and West Ham’s unused substitutions had an intense running session on the Goodison Park pitch with a backroom staff member.—
Roshane Thomas,
The Athletic,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Nobody is complaining about the bang for the buck regarding Betts or the Dodgers.—
Terence Moore,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The executive order against Jenner & Block complains that the firm re-hired a lawyer, Andrew Weissmann, who was part of Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference to benefit Trump in the 2016 presidential election.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At the end of the night, Huerter was the one howling into the rafters in a moment of triumph after plunging two big daggers into the heart of his former team.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Mar. 2025
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As the wind howled like a revving jet engine, local people retreated to their homes to play board games.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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