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

Years of this practice have sharpened my writing skills, from emails to social media posts (hello, 12K LinkedIn followers). —Vital Laptenok, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Fortunately, Mercury’s ingress into Capricorn on Jan. 8 sharpens our focus and communication style, formalizing our approach with structure and pragmatism. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024

These activities keep them busy while sharpening their problem-solving skills. —Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024

The partnership has sharpened her sound, blending her natural talent with Mustard’s polished expertise. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 13 Dec. 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