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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest
was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keenness
The talks signal keenness by both countries to maintain regular communication, The Wall Street Journal said.
—
Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Farke himself commented on Gray’s keenness to be at the front of May’s title celebrations, despite having contributed only five minutes on the pitch for the senior side.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Farke himself commented on Gray’s keenness to be at the front of May’s title celebrations, despite having contributed only five minutes on the pitch for the senior side.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keenness
Noun
-
The white negroni gets its pleasant bitterness from gin infused with pine nuts.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The water cleanses the palate, while the lokum balances the drink’s bitterness.—
Ali Halit Diker,
CNN Money,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Originally self-published, Until the World Falls Down constellated enthusiasm on TikTok in the weeks following its publication, ultimately leading to a three-book deal with a publisher.—
Logan Karlie
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
-
But when the Republican voters lack enthusiasm, as in 2022, Democrats go into the fall with a clear advantage.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Would any self-respecting show really risk insulting the viewer’s intelligence so flagrantly?—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Tariff anxieties continue to weigh on family office deal-making, which sunk in August by nearly 50% on a year-over-year basis, according to the private wealth intelligence platform.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And while winners may be tempted to choose the annuity for an initial lower tax bite and to get more Powerball money, inflation and unforeseeable tax changes over 29 years could eat away at its value.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Get the recipe > This rustic soup from Chiapas, Mexico, features the grassy flavor of fresh chipilín leaves in a rich corn broth, with tender masa dumplings stuffed with creamy queso fresco for a satisfying bite.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There is an unmistakable thirst in Pettman’s quest to understand the problems of having a body in an increasingly digital age.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Celery Juice Celery juice is made with 95% water, which can quench your thirst.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The famous wit adds a lot to a story that’s partly an earnest tango with grief, and partly an act of gossip.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; Shrigley brought forth wit and humor through banana motifs and Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.—
Emily Mercer,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Still, the daughter insists that this is about more than sensitivity.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Janelle and Lisa’s sensitivity to materials, language and symbols has resulted in a collection of work whose power lies in its balance between accessibility and poetry.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On the southwestern side of the fire, hand crews and dozers began building new containment lines along Sycamore Ridge Road to prevent the westward spread of the fire from the Dinkey Creek drainage and cut the fire off close to its active edge.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The base stores up to three tools, including a corner cleaner and an edge sweeper.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keenness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keenness. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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