keen 1 of 3

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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keen

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noun

keen

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective keen contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and sharp are common synonyms of keen. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

In what contexts can acute take the place of keen?

The meanings of acute and keen largely overlap; however, acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When would sharp be a good substitute for keen?

While the synonyms sharp and keen are close in meaning, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Examples 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 keen
Adjective
However, Melania, 54, is not so keen on relocating to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the source says. Linda Marx, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Those espousing the virtues in working as a server or porter as a teen or college student are now usually high-level executives keen to craft a LinkedIn post or soundbite that resonates. Amanda Kavanagh | This Column Was Created By Jobbio, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant. Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023 All three species are, in fact, powerful stimulants, and, as such, have long attracted those keen to enjoy their attributes. Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022
Verb
In these wondrously transporting images of juddering waves and swirling particles, accompanied by the rumbling, surging, keening strains of Ludwig Göransson’s magnificent score, Nolan makes a rare leap into realms of pure cinematic abstraction. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2023 Ayler burst onto the New York scene, in 1963, with a roaring and screeching and keening fervor that left behind conventional forms of rhythm and harmony but added the folk elements of spirituals, marches, and blues—and a realm of spirits and ghosts that inhabit those forms. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for keen 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keen
Adjective
  • There was a certain amount of art that went into strategizing what information people had to be able to embody their characters, and know what their characters know without opening up any of the more sensitive material to people who didn’t need to know it.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
  • People who are sensitive to stimulants or have a medical condition that can be negatively impacted by stimulants, such as arrhythmia or anxiety, may want to avoid these products or talk to a healthcare provider first.
    Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The sketch seemed to be SNL’s attempt to balance the cold open’s levity with a more biting tone about the wearying stakes of deciding the nation’s leadership.
    Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Will Ari craft a biting lyric finally addressing it?
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Don’t be too quick to buy into something that is a fleeting desire.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • North Carolina State University researchers found that deer movement can be excellent the last hour of daylight during the last-quarter phase of the moon.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Additionally, this maintenance is an excellent time for the IRS to test its systems to ensure that many people can submit their tax returns simultaneously.
    Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Universal Studios is apparently just as eager as Back to the Future fans for a fourth film — but director Robert Zemeckis isn’t as excited about the possibility.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The stakes have never been higher — and the pressure has never been more intense.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Over the wail of the train’s brakes, a guitarist burst into song, his voice clear and mellow.
    Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024
  • Everything is quiet except the torturous, repetitive wail of the caller.
    Britta Lokting, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Auto dealers who sell its products have complained that high prices have left inventories piling up.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The tenants complained of bug bites and a growing roach problem.
    Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near keen

Cite this Entry

“Keen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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