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Definition of sharpnext
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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

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 sharp
Adjective
France reported a surge in deaths last week at the height of a record-smashing heat wave, including a sharp increase at private homes, especially in the Paris region, the national public health agency said Sunday. Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 28 June 2026 And while regular practice helps keep Ronaldo's skills sharp, his family insists the talent has always been there. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Adverb
Luke Kennard, who last month was competing for additional bench minutes as a sharp-shooting specialist, recognized the proverbial freedom as well. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 From the Palisade and Telluride, some of the best in their respective classes, to truly impressive EVs and sharp-looking economy cars, Hyundai and Kia have been underestimated at multiple points, and now the industry’s watching closely. Joel Feder, The Drive, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Ratz saw Genthner moving up the right flank with her hand outstretched asking for a lead pass and quickly sent a sharp through ball far up the wing. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 The lyrics are mostly nonsensical club chatter, but when Scott delivers them with Kesha-worthy sleaze, the attitude is stiletto-sharp. Lydia Wei, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Why would sharp-as-nails med school grads opt toward a presumably dead-end occupational route? Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Wild Arugula While standard arugula may be part of many reasonably priced salad mixes, the deliciously spicy, dainty wild arugula fetches premium prices of $4 to $6 for a 5-ounce bunch.
    Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 June 2026
  • Modales leans into cold-hardy grapes varieties like blaufränkisch, the spicy Austrian red variety that has become a favorite by-the-glass pour at Ox Bar.
    Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • This guest styles her matching tracksuit with pointed pumps, a Lacoste purse, and headband for a sporty-meets-runway look that lands somewhere between sidewalk and catwalk.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • Despite a pointed effort to improve transparency, a large group of regular board meeting attendees see it differently.
    Samuel O’Neal June 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The stylish silhouette instantly dresses up everything from jeans and trousers to flowy dresses, while the supportive sole makes the shoes easy to wear for hours at a time.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • Only Prime members can save on this linen blouse, which features trendy three-quarter sleeves that are equally stylish and functional.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The result is an elegant estate where guests can have a refined Irish breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails come sunset.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
  • Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Shadow fleet vessels disguise their identity and purpose through a broad range of deceptive activities, including spoofing their locations and destinations.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The complaint alleged deceptive advertising and other misconduct.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Share a smart idea with a neighbor, then turn it into a clear message while your mind stays agile.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The Knicks could, hypothetically, trade a starter to create space beneath the second apron to re-sign Robinson, but breaking up a starting five that just won a title is not a smart idea.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alan was successful, intelligent, social and well-liked.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
  • Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions.
    David Biller, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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