1
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
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
famine caused by an acute shortage of grain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acute
However, acute blood pressure spikes are more pronounced with coffee, Routhenstein said, so those with high blood pressure or arrhythmias may benefit from green tea or decaffeinated options.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
The rivalry remained acute in the following years, stoked by Eric Cantona, the charismatic star Leeds striker, moving to Old Trafford in November 1992 and duly inspiring his new club to win the title that season.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Gitto, whose dry suit began taking on water during the rescue operation, was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of acute hypothermia.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
On campuses in multiple cities, students have clashed with security forces as slogans decrying Iran’s acute economic anxiety give way to calls for regime change and wider national progress.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
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The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
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Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Adjective
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And there is another urgent area requiring our attention.—
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The administration’s enthusiasm to improve America’s health has real, urgent promise.—
Adjective
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Fan Kelly Terzis described her feelings as intense sadness and grief, but also gratitude.—
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The study made a significant contribution, if not clarification, to this academic niche — medieval migration wasn’t seasonal, nor sporadic and intense.—
Adjective
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Gates was keen to highlight that society needs to do more to ready itself for an AI era, and that work so far hasn’t been adequate.—
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Our daughter learnt how to draw comic strips with an Athenian cartoon artist and was keen to try the photography course and stargazing.—
Adjective
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Between 2022 and 2023, a team from Arkeologerna conducted an intensive investigation in the southernmost area of the former city.—
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The orbiters are expected to linger in a holding pattern before heading for Mars next year when the red planet is better aligned for a less fuel-intensive journey.—
Adjective
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As Beck spoke on the crowded field afterward, Cristobal swept past and stopped for quick bear hug.—
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Most people drive up a Forest Service Road for quicker access, putting them at the beginning of a two-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.—
Adjective
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Some nearby residents, including Sue Weston — the owner of Weston Gardens in Bloom, a historic garden located on Anglin Drive — have expressed fierce opposition to the data center.—
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Last year, the governor tried to increase the number of in-office days to four only to face fierce resistance from his employees and their labor representatives.—
Adjective
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The numbers mark a sharp reversal from a spike in violence during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
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The blazer of Middleton’s look included sharp shoulders with sinuous lapels and angular pockets at the waist.—
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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