1
as in to sharpen
to make sharp or sharper
honed the knife's blade to razor-like sharpness honed his crossword-puzzle skills by reading the dictionary as though it were a thrilling novel
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2
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of hone
The New York City FC midfielder wants to become a hit in Europe by honing his talents to emulate the style of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
—
Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Starting racing at a young age, Thompson honed his skills driving quarter midgets and late models.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Estévez honed his approach as an assistant to Berhalter, first with the Columbus Crew and then the USMNT from 2019-21.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
To be sure, Copping brings to the task formidable skills, honed most recently in Balenciaga’s couture and VIP departments.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hone 
Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Starting racing at a young age, Thompson honed his skills driving quarter midgets and late models.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Estévez honed his approach as an assistant to Berhalter, first with the Columbus Crew and then the USMNT from 2019-21.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
To be sure, Copping brings to the task formidable skills, honed most recently in Balenciaga’s couture and VIP departments.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hone
Verb
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In addition to sharpening intellect, fluorite helps Aquarius tap into their intuition.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
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Many will confront financial hardship as rents rise and competition sharpens for what was already a shortage of affordable housing.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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For stains that have had time to settle in, gently rub the spot with toothpaste or baking soda.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Jan. 2025
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Wash gently: Use a soft washcloth when cleansing your baby’s face, and do not rub the skin.—
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH,
Verywell Health,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The stage is set for a celebration of artistry and innovation that polishes LVMH’s prominence in the world of luxury timepieces.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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For the 27-year-old singer-rapper, that’s meant releasing a string of singles, polishing up a debut album, delivering show-stopping performances and making her acting debut in Mike White’s White Lotus.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Some of Cotton Incorporated’s fabric developments include a 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane denim pant that was sanded, and then sprayed with an acrylic coating, and then enzyme washed to give it the look of worn leather.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Jan. 2025
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There are still some rough edges to sand down in Bakayoko’s game, but at his age there is plenty of potential and the opportunity to nurture the Belgium international over a long period.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The duo’s first album, Good Years, arrives Jan. 31, with shades of Montgomery Gentry and Brooks & Dunn influencing its grinding, upbeat sound.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
16 Jan. 2025
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Teen LinkedIn: Children under the age of seventeen can apply for jobs, expand their professional network, and get a head start at grinding their teeth at night.—
JiJi Lee,
The New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Fox faces a second trial later this year in a $2.7 billion suit filed by another voting tech company, Smartmatic.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
20 Jan. 2025
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Earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit decided an appeal filed by hemp company Northern Virginia Hemp and Agriculture and other plaintiffs challenging Virginia’s Senate Bill 903, a law regulating hemp products.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hone. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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