sharpen

verb

sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshär-pə-niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make sharp or sharper
especially : hone

intransitive verb

: to become sharp or sharper
sharpener
ˈshär-pə-nər How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
ˈshärp-nər
noun

Examples of sharpen in a Sentence

Can you sharpen the image? The lecture sharpened my understanding of the topic. The outlines of the mountains sharpened as we got closer.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The war room relaunch is the latest example of the Democratic Party trying to sharpen its online presence — particularly on alternative media platforms — after the election revealed that Trump's media strategy broke through. Erin Doherty, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 Organizations need to invest in AI training programs and empower and reward employees for sharpening their skills. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 The Golden Globes audience will witness the humor Glaser began sharpening in Kansas City comedy clubs while studying at KU in nearby Lawrence. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2025 So, what's a 'grindstone' anyway? Grindstones are thick disks of stone — often sandstone — used for grinding, sharpening, or polishing metal objects, or for milling grains into flour. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sharpen 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sharpen was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sharpen

Cite this Entry

“Sharpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sharpen. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

sharpen

verb
sharp·​en ˈshär-pən How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
sharpened; sharpening ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce sharpen (audio)
1
: to make or become sharp or sharper
sharpen a pencil
a better lens sharpened the image
pain that suddenly sharpened
2
: improve
sharpen one's skills
sharpener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sharpen

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