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

The decline sharpened at the end of the month after the inauguration. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

While roasting very wealthy American tourists is intrinsic to White Lotus, this season’s setting of Thailand and its focus on Buddhism are key to the larger story; the presence of these real traditions and beliefs only sharpens the satire in Mike White’s series. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 17 Feb. 2025

With her skills sharpened, Cinthya worked her way up to pastry chef, hoping for creative freedom. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Farmers, now is the time to sharpen your cultivator shovels. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sharpen

• sharpen up

Rhymes for sharpen

• tarpon
• pilocarpine

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