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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 As opposed to chronic pain, which can last well after an injury or illness has been treated, acute pain is more sudden – often caused by surgery or injury – and is easier to treat in the short term. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 This new option could offer hope for patients and healthcare providers seeking safer alternatives to address acute pain while mitigating the risks of addiction and dependency. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Its patients primarily consist of children with acute pain, such as post-surgery symptoms or burns, and chronic pain, ranging from migraines to musculoskeletal ailments. —

Shawna Chen, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 Hot flashes are sudden and intense feelings of heat - heat that is especially acute over the neck, chest, and face, explains Dr. Ruta Nonacs, a perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. —

Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for acute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute

Adjective

What To Know Engelmayer is responsible for a Saturday ruling that blocked Musk and his DOGE allies from accessing sensitive Treasury records.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
The suit filed Tuesday is the second from a religious group to challenge the Trump administration's lifting of the sensitive locations policy.

— Sarah Ventre, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025