1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
he found that the bland crackers helped cut the sharpness of the cheese
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
dress warmly; there's a bit of sharpness in the air today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
possesses a political sharpness that most campaign managers would envy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
possesses the proverbial sharpness of an eagle's eye
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sharpness
This is an optical system designed to preserve picture sharpness even at an extreme scale.
—
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
Jennifer gets a lot of praise for the sharpness of her curd and jelly and how focused the dish is, while reaction to Justin’s dish is the opposite.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Lemon lends a floral aroma to each slice, which complements the sharpness of the citrus and delicate berry flavor in the glaze.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
For older adults, chess clubs offer cognitive benefits that may help preserve mental sharpness.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
The sharpness of the cloud patterns is too exaggerated given the imaging capabilities of Cassini and the tremendous distance over the poles that were always maintained.
—Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026
And, our brains naturally associate sharpness with danger, which can disturb a room's peaceful energy.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
The sharpness, and the confidence that comes with it, was about to come into focus.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
This type of steel retains its sharpness over extended use, resists corrosion and rust, and doesn't chip easily.
—New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
Jennifer gets a lot of praise for the sharpness of her curd and jelly and how focused the dish is, while reaction to Justin’s dish is the opposite.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Lemon lends a floral aroma to each slice, which complements the sharpness of the citrus and delicate berry flavor in the glaze.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
For older adults, chess clubs offer cognitive benefits that may help preserve mental sharpness.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
The sharpness of the cloud patterns is too exaggerated given the imaging capabilities of Cassini and the tremendous distance over the poles that were always maintained.
—Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026
And, our brains naturally associate sharpness with danger, which can disturb a room's peaceful energy.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
The sharpness, and the confidence that comes with it, was about to come into focus.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
This type of steel retains its sharpness over extended use, resists corrosion and rust, and doesn't chip easily.
—New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharpness
Noun
-
The state said Hollis was wrong for harboring bitterness toward him.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the scallions, half a cup of whole parsley leaves adds a grassy depth and pleasant bitterness to this salad.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But pro-Palestinian activist Remah Naji said the ban had sent a chill through the local protest movement.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This variety requires only 200 winter chill hours, meaning it can be grown anywhere in Southern California.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Charles is expected to talk about the defense, intelligence and security ties the countries have shared for decades.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Belarus’ presidential press service said the negotiations had involved intelligence services from seven countries.—
Claudia Ciobanu,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Bell, whose screen roles have long radiated decency and sensitivity, channels that guilelessness once more, only to expose it as yet another façade that helps Niall to conceal his darker impulses.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The wind, temperature changes, and even a light touch can trigger redness and sensitivity.—
Devon Abelman,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On the eastern edge of the state, Sioux Falls is best known for Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River spills over wide stretches of pink quartzite rock.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nobody talked of anything but him—his magnificent exploits and irresistible wit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion, and your zest for life.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder (circa 1767–1770) suggests that the latter view has bite.—
Julian Bell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The wing’s bark pairs with plenty of bite.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What stands out, in fact, is not Himelfarb’s illumination of the mechanics of chess but his insights regarding the psychologies of people.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists have successfully revived a 24,000-year-old microscopic organism from Siberian permafrost, offering new insight into how life can endure extreme conditions over vast stretches of time.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sharpness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharpness. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
