1
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
be careful, as that knife is sharp enough to slice off a finger
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2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
that cheese is so sharp that its rank aroma can practically clear a room
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3
4
as in stylish
being in the latest or current fashion
wore a sharp suit to his first big job interview
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5
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance
a television personality who's known as a sharp dresser
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6
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
I got chapped lips from sailing all day in that sharp wind
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7
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception
sharp business practices that are being investigated by the state's consumer protection agency
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8
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a sharp customer who wasn't about to be taken in by that smooth-tongued salesman
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9
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
any sharp student would have noticed the error immediately
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10
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
an unnecessarily sharp retort to a perfectly civil question
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11
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
you have sharp eyes
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12
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a spell of unusually sharp weather for this time of year
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as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference
be there at four o'clock sharp
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as in adept
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the computer sharp that the rest of the staff turns to whenever their PCs act up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sharp
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 May 2025
The conflict over Huawei’s most advanced chips serves as a reality check that despite the positive words shared by US and Chinese negotiators last week, there are still sharp differences between the two sides on a variety of subjects that may be difficult to bridge.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
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
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year.
—Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Matthew Brown, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks.
—Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Adjective
What began as a sports commentary has evolved into a contentious personal and cultural clash, drawing sharp lines between former teammates who now stand on opposite sides of the debate.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 May 2025
The conflict over Huawei’s most advanced chips serves as a reality check that despite the positive words shared by US and Chinese negotiators last week, there are still sharp differences between the two sides on a variety of subjects that may be difficult to bridge.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
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
Liquids, needles or sharps cannot be accepted — only pills or patches.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
But a reminder — the sharps were on the Eagles last year.
—Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
President Barack Obama agreed to sharp spending curbs that only recently expired.
—Matthew Brown, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023
That could require Republicans to identify even steeper reductions, perhaps totaling $16 trillion, in a move that could expose the party to sharp political attacks.
—Tony Romm, Jeff Stein and Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sharp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp
Adjective
-
The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
His pointed question drew some cheers and applause from elsewhere in the chamber.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
-
President Donald Trump delivered a Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday that combined solemn tributes with pointed political remarks and self-congratulatory rhetoric, in a speech that diverged from the traditional tone of presidential remembrance.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Fortunately, Amazon is overflowing with affordable, stylish, and cooling linen pants that will instantly upgrade your most casual outfits while keeping you comfy, regardless of the temperature.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
-
Summer calls for a more straightforward style at times, and this fedora is a quick and stylish way to accessorize simply in all the right ways.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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But when Afrikaners began to take a serious interest in Mr. Trump’s refugee program, the biting remarks were unleashed.—
Zimasa Matiwane,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Katy Perry is continuing to catch strays, this time from the most biting demographic of all: the pop girlie fandom.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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During the defense’s cross-examination of Kid Cudi, lawyers representing Combs portrayed Ventura as deceptive of both men.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, filed a suit against ExxonMobil last year that, in part, accuses the oil giant of deceptive claims regarding chemical recycling, which the company disputes.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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My family doctor sometimes gets me good care through sub-specialists — few actual doctors, but nonetheless smart people.—
Charles Hammer,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
-
Read on for some of the best smart bird feeders available now.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.—
Rakhee Langer,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sharp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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