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Definition of sharpnext
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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
Airfares have jumped, with airlines such as Air India and Cathay Pacific implementing sharp increases in fuel surcharges. Anton L. Delgado, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 See the movement and the power out of the sharpest corners of the court. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Adverb
Luke Kennard, who last month was competing for additional bench minutes as a sharp-shooting specialist, recognized the proverbial freedom as well. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 From the Palisade and Telluride, some of the best in their respective classes, to truly impressive EVs and sharp-looking economy cars, Hyundai and Kia have been underestimated at multiple points, and now the industry’s watching closely. Joel Feder, The Drive, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Not impressed by stadium prospects in San Diego, NFL sharps created a sure thing for the Spanoses 120 miles north by assuring the Chargers a spot in the Kroenke Dome that Rams owner and mega-billionaire Stan Kroenke would build in Inglewood. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025 In order to protect waste haulers and others against injury and contamination, there are special steps to dispose of needles and sharps. Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Verb
Thompson was pretty brave for weaving his fingers with Meg's, considering how long and sharp her stiletto manicure is. Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2025 The Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Plain Toe Derby Shoes are $87 off and sharp enough for weddings or work trips. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Start with the spicy brussel sprouts, which are tantalizingly citrusy, along with the summer-y bluefin tuna aguachile.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • The peppery flavor of this fast-growing green actually benefits from the shade, keeping it from getting too spicy.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • More pointed are his governance attacks as Riquelme has repeatedly questioned why Florentino’s close associate Anas Laghrari, someone with no official position at the club, appears to be involved in major operations including Super League planning and stadium privatisation discussions.
    Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The level of home monitoring has been an ongoing and pointed negotiation between federal officials and the states involved, and is still subject to change, the people said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Round it out with a stylish Béis belt bag to keep airport essentials close at hand, leaving you no excuse to hold up security, knowing the coveted carry is just under $30.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Zaya Wade is one stylish teenager!
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Michter’s has spent years proving that rye can also be elegant, balanced, and surprisingly approachable, and its latest 10 Year Rye release continues that mission.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • In Palm Beach, Florida, Jelly Roll performs at his Little ASS Shed Tour, while in Los Angeles, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner look elegant as ever in black and white outfits.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
  • The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What happens when a shopping agent follows a prompt, buys from a deceptive merchant and the virtual card protects the primary account but not the customer’s time or money?
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • For these commemorative watches, Aeschlimann thought white ceramic was appropriate not only because of the color, but because of the material’s deceptive toughness.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lane pointed to Adams State’s direct admissions program as a smart intervention that attracts students who might have otherwise overlooked college.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The next generation of commerce may not belong solely to the smartest AI models, but to the companies who are most capable of balancing complexity on the business side, while delivering trust and simplicity on the consumer side.
    Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • When the heavy lifting of data synthesis and standard analysis is supported by intelligent systems, workers are free to elevate their thinking.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • Accelerating technological innovation Beyond software development, BYD is also investing heavily in the underlying hardware required for intelligent vehicles.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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