ACUTE Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'acute' contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute . While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination. // an acute sense of style

Q: In what contexts can 'keen' take the place of 'acute'?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind. // a keen observer of the political scene

Q: When could 'sharp' be used to replace 'acute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute , sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness. // sharp enough to spot a confidence game

acute

adjective

ə-ˈkyüt

Definition of acute next

as in sensitive

able to sense slight impressions or differences dogs, with their acute sense of smell, are used for finding toxic substances undetectable by humans

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention famine caused by an acute shortage of grain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect experiencing acute distress over the misunderstanding with her best friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acute contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

In what contexts can keen take the place of acute?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

When could sharp be used to replace acute?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of acute These agencies regularly publish reports, research, and guidance that shape public response to both chronic and acute health threats, ranging from tobacco to infectious and food-borne disease. —

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 More than half of Sudan's population faces high levels of acute food insecurity The conflict in Sudan is a children’s crisis: 13.6 million children urgently need humanitarian assistance; 10.8 million people, half of whom are children, have fled their homes in search of safety. —

Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has confirmed famine in Sudan's North Darfur region, with more than 24.6 million people—over half the country's population—facing acute food insecurity. —

Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 There is the acute loss told by each individual narrative. —

Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for acute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute

Adjective

Under the policy, ICE agents were permitted to enter sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, and hospitals, only under specific circumstances.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Young people are particularly sensitive to their surroundings as their brains evaluate the environment to prepare them for independence.

— Yalda T. Uhls, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025