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
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
The concerns are especially acute as hurricane and disaster season looms.
—
Selina Wang, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
The violation of Romanian sovereignty was assessed by intelligence services to be so acute that the country’s supreme court felt compelled to cancel the second round of the election.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
The paper identifies two potential formal diagnoses: acute suicidality affective disturbances (ASAD) and suicide-crisis syndrome (SCS).
—Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
But sometimes people experience breathing troubles that are less acute yet longer lasting.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Selina Wang, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
The violation of Romanian sovereignty was assessed by intelligence services to be so acute that the country’s supreme court felt compelled to cancel the second round of the election.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
The paper identifies two potential formal diagnoses: acute suicidality affective disturbances (ASAD) and suicide-crisis syndrome (SCS).
—Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
But sometimes people experience breathing troubles that are less acute yet longer lasting.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acute
Adjective
-
The exfiltrated data included the following browser files, which can store login cookies, passwords, browsing histories, and other sensitive data.—
Dan Goodin,
Ars Technica,
7 Mar. 2025
-
To begin the transition to PQC, assess what of your critical infrastructure deals with high volumes of sensitive data.—
Anurag Lal,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The big picture: The closure comes after the National Transportation Safety Board's urgent recommendation earlier this week, following the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in decades.—
Sareen Habeshian,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Street Smart aims to spark empathy and inspire action in addressing the urgent challenges faced by unhoused youth—particularly those navigating mental health struggles, CPTSD, and LGBTQ discrimination.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This is due to the bodywork, interior work, and intense customization required to retrofit a new drivetrain under an old body.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Last year, intense protests and riots against immigration erupted throughout England after 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana stabbed and killed young girls at a dance class.—
Abigail Anthony,
National Review,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Honda, for example, is looking into similar technology, though other automakers haven’t been as keen, perhaps in part because demand for EVs has recently slowed.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2025
-
While Gen Z has been characterized by some hiring teams as more difficult to train and less likely to be a team player, the younger generation is actually more keen to return to the office than others might suspect.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Our only leverage were the ongoing national-level intensive negotiations over the NAFTA environmental side-accords.—
Serge Dedina,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Finding and synthesizing that data would be both labor intensive and expensive for the district to do itself.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacramento Bee,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But the Oscar winner is quick to remind his kids that his millions aren’t theirs to spend.—
Nicolas Vega,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
-
While the sheer number of krill in the Southern Ocean means the species is unlikely to face an acute threat to its survival in the near term, Savoca is quick to point out that numbers are no guarantee of success.—
Gabe Castro-Root,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.—
Amanda McCard,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
-
With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Any sharp pains during your workout—in your feet, but also in your knees, hips, or back—likely point to a problem with your current pair.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Bitcoin continued its sharp decline, falling below $79,000 after trading above $100,000 in December.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acute. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share