sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ 

ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper

especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper

sharpener

ˈshär-pə-nər 

ˈshärp-nər

noun

Synonyms

• edge
• grind
• hone
• stone
• strop
• whet

Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Can you sharpen the image?

The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic.

The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to going after higher-income fashion shoppers with its online marketplace, Walmart has been sharpening its in-store presentation and looking to transform very large private label programs into national brands. —Evan Clark, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

The focus on Michigan’s bail system sharpened in a state report released in 2020. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024

Reuters reported in May that the $925 billion PIF was weighing a reorganization, aiming to sharpen its focus on investments that have a higher chance of success. —Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

When the Italian lender showed its hand by using derivatives to build a potential 21% stake in Commerzbank, the German lender appointed a new CEO and sharpened its financial targets. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən 

sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become sharp or sharper

sharpen a pencil

a better lens sharpened the image

pain that suddenly sharpened

2

: improve

sharpen one's skills

sharpener

ˈshärp-(ə-)nər 

noun