sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper
especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper
sharpener
ˈshär-pə-nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-nər
noun

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
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.
Gratitude Powers Leadership by Connecting You to a Bigger Picture Gratitude sharpens your awareness of the significant impacts of your work. Kathy Miller Perkins, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 In the days and weeks ahead, the terms of the deal and its implementation will sharpen, as will Lebanon’s internal political accounting over Hezbollah’s unilateral decision on October 8, 2023, to reopen the front. Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024 Far from being chastened, Angelica sharpens her tone into a devastating point and unleashes a vicious referendum. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2024 But in the past two decades, periodic resentment of the group has sharpened into more widespread hatred, owing to an increasing number of events linked to Hezbollah even before this hugely destructive war, which many Lebanese see as unnecessary. Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sharpen 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sharpen was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sharpen

Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb
sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sharpen

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