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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
This time around, the royal teamed her sharp tailoring with a tonal pussybow blouse from Me+Em, DeMellier’s chocolate-brown suede Hudson bag, and matching Gianvito Rossi pumps, along with her Cartier Trinity earrings. Emily Chan, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026 The killing, captured on cellphone video, has exposed sharp divisions between federal authorities who quickly defended the agent’s actions and local leaders who called the shooting unjustified. Claudia Lauer, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Teaching youngsters to keep their blades sharp brings them into the circle of household responsibility. Michael Roberts, Outside, 9 Oct. 2025 Initially, the tune was DOA for the sharp-shooting Sundance Kid. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
But surely a guy a sharp as Tenax will see a way to turn this bloodline to his advantage. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 18 July 2024 But without savers and gamblers to profit off of, the gains for sharps are limited. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 25 May 2024
Verb
Thompson was pretty brave for weaving his fingers with Meg's, considering how long and sharp her stiletto manicure is. Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2025 The Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Plain Toe Derby Shoes are $87 off and sharp enough for weddings or work trips. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
  • Rye whiskey is the drier and spicier cousin of bourbon with an herbaceous edge, an edge which (as with the Sazerac, La Louisiane and others) is given a few dozen exclamation points with a dash of absinthe.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
  • This creamy, cheesy pasta dish gets its extra spicy flavor from Andouille sausage, pepper Jack cheese, and Cajun seasoning.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Frame makes great high-quality jeans, and this straight pair would look so chic with a black leather jacket and pointed-toe boots like Hadid’s.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Infiniti is bringing the trend into 2026, wearing a pair of Gianvito Rossi‘s Gianvito 105 pointed-toe pumps in all white.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There is less of an emphasis on styling, and more attention to comfort and stylish practicality.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Sellew is a bold new voice, using sharp, stylish prose to explore the hinterland of contemporary mating.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Her hairstylist gave tendril lovers an idea for a whole new way to wear one, tucking Grande's bangs behind a section of hair left loose not from her hairline but a bit farther back—still elegant, but a bit more playful and creative.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Lopez accessorized with diamond earrings and wore her hair in an elegant updo.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Morbidly Jewish finds Raanan at his most biting, acerbic, angry, Jewish, and, as always…loud.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The conservative activist’s 42-minute video posted the day after Christmas quickly spread, prompting stepped up immigration enforcement, frozen federal funds and more biting rhetoric against the Somali community from President Donald Trump.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While not everyone gets their wishes, those with no interest in taking on the deceptive — and challenging — role of a Traitor likely won't be chosen.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The legal claims included negligence, wrongful death, deceptive trade practices, and product liability.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
  • There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.
    Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.
    Klaus Schwab, Time, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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