sharp 1 of 4

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sharp

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adverb

as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference be there at four o'clock sharp

Synonyms & Similar Words

sharp

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noun

sharp

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sharp contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and keen are common synonyms of sharp. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to sharp?

The synonyms acute and sharp are sometimes interchangeable, but acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

When is it sensible to use keen instead of sharp?

The words keen and sharp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

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 sharp
Adjective
The cause for that was clear: textile and apparel exports which were stagnating the last two years have shown a sharp increase this last quarter. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024 The razor sharp line between dark and light strictly separates the evocation of night from day. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Adverb
In 2021, prior to BTS temporarily splitting off into individual sectors while some members pursue solo projects and others complete their mandatory military service, Jung Kook spoke to Rolling Stone about keeping his skillset sharp across the board. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 The 27-year-old didn’t come out sharp, allowing three hits, including an RBI single to Royce Lewis, in a 27-pitch first inning. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2023
Noun
But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024 The public seems to overwhelmingly think that Mahomes will win today, but the market remains steadfast that the Niners are a rightful favorite. 11d ago / 1:14 PM PST Matthew Berry, NBC Sports The sharps — including Jay — are all on the 49ers. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
Investors are reassessing their outlook for economic growth amid these massive policy risks, leading to sharp down and up movements in stock markets. Christian Weller, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023 The mood of the night was high glam, from flowing gowns to sharp tailoring. Essence Fashion Editors, Essence, 7 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for sharp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • North Carolina has its own hot and spicy chicken, made famous at a restaurant in Salisbury.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Then there are the darker, spicier vanillas, with hints of tobacco or amber, offering a more sultry, sophisticated vibe.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The shoes, with a pointed toe and sturdy block heel, highlighted Blige’s consistent preference for high-reaching footwear — a style that has become synonymous with her public appearances.
    Ty Gaskins, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The famous pointed hat donned by Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, hammered down for a cool $2.4 million.
    Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In early November, Crawford shared an Instagram post showcasing a glowy, makeup-free look, natural hair, and a comfy yet stylish sleep camisole to promote her skincare line Meaningful Beauty.
    Tabitha Parent, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Excellent traction is ideal for winter conditions, and this supportive boot is casually stylish, too.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Seat adjustment hardware is new and elegant, offering smooth, curved representation of the fixtures that have been a staple in Mercedes vehicles for a decade.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The bowls are universal and have nice high sides that feel elegant and shapely in the hand.
    Laura Denby, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.
    The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Lilly has sent cease-and-desist letters to numerous compounding sellers, and both companies have filed lawsuits against numerous compounding pharmacies, alleging trademark infringement and deceptive marketing.
    Bob Woods, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Yes, but: Brandi Tuck, executive director of the nonprofit Path Home, has been working with homeless families for nearly two decades and says those numbers are likely deceptive undercounts.
    Kale Williams, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Smart money is on those building a future that includes a smart shorts programming strategy.
    Paul Pastor, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
  • In response, social media companies’ algorithms to detect drug-selling behavior are getting smarter and are aggregating images and emojis, Fuller says.
    Mattha Busby, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Every effort is a step toward raising emotional intelligent children.
    Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
  • By using sound location detection, intelligent voiceprint as well as face, body, and lip recognition technology, Connect tracks the speaker and keeps them center stage with great accuracy.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sharp

Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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