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.
That experience, combined with his own athletic background, sharpened his instincts for where the industry was headed. Mike Dojc, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 And to no one’s surprise because, after years of political pragmatism bordering on apathy, Silicon Valley’s style of business thinking has sharpened to a social-ideological point. Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 One of the youngest aldermen elected to City Council, Ramirez-Rosa played a key role in sharpening the current sanctuary city ordinance that prevents Chicago police from cooperating with federal immigration cases during Republican President Donald Trump’s first time. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 They are meant to supplement your efforts in studying, sharpening your understanding of the subject, and building up your writing skills in the process. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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