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Definition of sharpen

sharpen

/ˈʃɑːr.pən/
Adverb:sharply
•
Adjective:sharp
•
Past Simple:sharpened
•
Past Participle:sharpened
•
Present Participle:sharpening
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sharpen Lexical Profile

sharpen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become sharp or sharper along an edge or point.

Example

"The student took a moment to sharpen her pencil before starting the final exam."

2

To improve, refine, or make more acute, effective, or distinct (especially of skills, senses, or focus).

Example

"Regularly solving logic puzzles is an excellent way to sharpen your analytical thinking skills."

3

To raise the musical pitch of a note, typically by a semitone, or to sing or play slightly above the true pitch.

Example

"The choir director reminded the tenors not to sharpen the sustained notes at the end of the phrase."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sharpen

• Nearby Words

sharon
sharp
sharp-nosed pit viper
sharpen
sharpener
sharper
sharpie

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'sharp' (from Old English 'scearp', meaning having a cutting edge) combined with the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sharpen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sharpen
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