Synonyms for sharpen

Grammar : Verb

Spell : shahr-puh n

Phonetic Transcription : ˈʃɑr pən

Top 10 synonyms for sharpen

Other synonyms for the word sharpen

Définition of sharpen

Origin : 1520s, "bring to an edge or point," from sharp (adj.) + -en (1). Related: Sharpened; sharpening. Old English verb scearpian meant "to score, scarify;" cf. scearpung "scarifying." To sharpen (one's) pencil "prepare to get to work" is from 1957, American English.

verb make knifelike

Example sentences :

If you were envied, why should you sharpen envy, and file up its teeth to an edge?
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Why should they brighten their tomahawks and sharpen their knives against each other?
Extract from : « The Last of the Mohicans » by James Fenimore Cooper

I know for a fact that Sergeant Martin had no less than nine pen-knives to sharpen.
Extract from : « The Field of Ice » by Jules Verne

You sharpen your wits on other people's, and you keep in touch with all kinds of opinions.
Extract from : « Changing Winds » by St. John G. Ervine

Twas unkind in my uncle to sharpen his appetite with red rum.
Extract from : « The Cruise of the Shining Light » by Norman Duncan

"I sharpen serpents' teeth from time to time," offered Bell amiably.
Extract from : « Astounding Stories of Super-Science, May, 1930 » by Various

The first thing the carver will require to do is to sharpen his tools.
Extract from : « Wood-Carving » by George Jack

That new presence within will sharpen the brain, and fire the imagination.
Extract from : « Quiet Talks on Power » by S.D. Gordon

Now,” said he, “I must make the sides smooth, and sharpen it.
Extract from : « Rollo's Experiments » by Jacob Abbott

The remedy is to sharpen the cap, so that its edge makes a close fit with the cutter.
Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes

Antonyms for sharpen

blunt
dull

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019