ACUTE Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'acute' contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute . While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination. // an acute sense of style

Q: In what contexts can 'keen' take the place of 'acute'?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind. // a keen observer of the political scene

Q: When could 'sharp' be used to replace 'acute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute , sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness. // sharp enough to spot a confidence game

acute

adjective

ə-ˈkyüt

Definition of acute next

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

as in urgent

needing immediate attention famine caused by an acute shortage of grain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acute contrast with its synonyms?

The words keen and sharp are common synonyms of acute. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.

an acute sense of style

In what contexts can keen take the place of acute?

The synonyms keen and acute are sometimes interchangeable, but keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.

a keen observer of the political scene

When could sharp be used to replace acute?

While in some cases nearly identical to acute, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.

sharp enough to spot a confidence game

Examples 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 acute But the trainable rats have an acute sense of smell. —

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 According to the Standford Report, during the experiment, the guards acted abusively toward the prisoners, while the prisoners displayed symptoms such as acute anxiety and depressed moods. —

Eric Wood, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Our testers highlighted the way this mattress reduces pressure buildup in any sleeping position, which can be particularly helpful for those with more acute hip pain. —

Rachel Tavel, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024 But Katie's injury was also merely the most acute symptom of a deeper set of problems. —

Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute

Adjective

The group is known for deploying ransomware that encrypts data and uses double extortion tactics, threatening to release sensitive information on its dark web leak site if ransom demands are not met.

Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of leaking sensitive information to two news outlets in the hopes of sabotaging a hostage deal with Hamas in a political scandal that has roiled Israeli politics.

Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024