sharp 1 of 4

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
Leadership success depends on sharp decision-making, emotional intelligence and resilience. Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025 The Wild started the second period with a sharp power play but were turned back on some good scoring chances by Merilainen. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025
Adverb
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Noun
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024 But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks. Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023 Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets. Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for sharp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • New Mexico emerged as the spiciest state, with 31.9 ounces per customer purchased on Instacart.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Past rumbles have seen winners with more customary offerings awarded the coveted Broth Belt, but Red Panda’s body-laden spicy chicken katsu ramen seduced guests with its silkiness, including new fans who had never even heard of them before showing up at the competition.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Shaheen also delivered a pointed message to Rubio, warning that aggression would only escalate matters.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The public’s rage raises a very pointed question about the idea that profits are the sole measure by which a business should be judged.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This stylish Kendra Scott bracelet makes a statement with its small heart and stretches to accommodate many wrist sizes.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Over the holidays, all of Victoria and David's children celebrated Christmas together and everyone snapped tons of stylish photos to prove it.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Interior Designers Storie Collective Functional and elegant, this spacious family kitchen by Storie Collective features a large island and gorgeous stone aplenty.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2025
  • This sheer fragrance is the perfume equivalent of a crisp white button-down—refined, elegant, and understated (and works well both on its own or layered).
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Created by Tony McNamara, who earned Oscar nominations for his writing work on both The Favourite and Poor Things, The Great offers the same combination of lush costumes and scenery mixed with a biting commentary on the world, and a woman’s place in it.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • Whenever Carolyn’s name has come up in passing as a possible Traitor, it has been immediately nixed, with folks unable to believe that the Survivor finalist could ever pull off being so deceptive.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025
  • However, there’s also a darker side — beware of deceptive words or misleading information.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But a good coach, a lot of good ideas, smart, good leadership.
    Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Use it to pay for purchases without a credit card, connect to smart devices in your home, or respond to messages at the sound of your voice (using Google Assistant).
    Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The thing about Nickel Boys is its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The group argued that the elephants in the Colorado case, which were born in the wild in Africa, have displayed signs of brain damage because the zoo is essentially a prison for the intelligent and social animals that roam for miles a day in the wild.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sharp

Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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