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sharp

sharp

301 1.0
A thing with an edge that can cut or pierce
  • adjective
  • /ʃɑrp/
translation icon : afilado
  • That is a very, very sharp knife, that is.
  • a sharp edge
  • a sharp blade
  • a sharp knife

Toughen up, take a walk over the sharp stones, then come back.

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Examples

  • - And for cooking, you need a sharp knife.

  • The pencil has a sharp point, making it perfect for detailed drawing.

  • It's got a nice little sharp edge, so that looks cool.

  • This looks like it has a very sharp point which I like.

  • Carving knife, yeah? - Yeah, I need a good sharp knife.

  • Here too, the lion's fierce open mouth and sharp teeth are emphasized.

    Academic text (1990)
  • That thing looks sharp!

  • Everything's metal, everything's sharp, and it's boiling hot.

  • The wind blew cold out here as the sun dipped, and its sharp touch braced me.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Mrs. Middleton was a thin, sharp-faced woman, with a nose that looked like it could chop wood.

    Fiction book (1990)

Synonyms

pointy
vssharp
71 1.0

A thing with a sharp tip

is the neutral descriptor for cutting or piercing ability, not casual use
jagged
vssharp
22 3.6

An edge or outline with rough, sharp points

refers to a fine cutting or piercing edge, not an irregular broken rim
razor-sharp
vssharp
8 4.1

Able to cut very easily with a thin hard edge, like a knife

is used for ordinary or moderate cutting ability rather than extreme cases
keen
vssharp
5 3.5

Having a very sharp edge or point that cuts easily

is the everyday adjective rather than this slightly literary one
acute
vssharp
4 4.8

Sharp in shape with an angle smaller than ninety degrees

includes cutting or piercing ability not only the angled form
needlelike
vssharp
1 4.9

Shaped like a long thin sharp needle

is broader and not limited to very thin, slender tips
sharp-pointed
vssharp
1 3.2

Having a very thin end that can prick or cut

is the single simpler word used for that same meaning
incisive
vssharp
1 6.8

A thing like a knife that is sharp enough to cut or pierce

focuses on general cutting quality rather than technical suitability
pointed
vssharp
1 1.8

Ending in a small sharp tip

often implies shape only, not necessarily strong cutting ability
knifelike
vssharp
5.7

A thing with a very thin, sharp edge or shape

is the general term, not a comparison to a blade

Very clear and exact so there is no doubt

is the normal descriptor for cutting ability rather than this emphatic phrase
sharpened
vssharp
1.8

Having a thin edge or point that can cut

describes the quality itself rather than the process that created it
edged
vssharp
4.4

A tool or weapon with a sharp blade for cutting

is specific to having a rim while the main term covers points too
acuate
vssharp
9.9

A shape that narrows to a sharp point at the end

is the general quality rather than this gradual tapering form

Antonyms

109 1.0

An object with a dull edge or tip that does not cut well

17 1.0

Not having a sharp edge so it cuts poorly

Idioms

sharp as a tack
  • Informal
5 6.7

Able to understand new things very quickly

Exactly at three o'clock

A joking way to say something is very unpleasant or painful

Fails to make a strong point because it is dull and weak

Very clear and exact so there is no doubt

9.3

A person who is not smart and is slow to understand things

Compounds

14 2.5

Pointed teeth that cut or pierce food, for example in sharks

10 3.3

A sudden strong feeling of hurt in one small part of the body

8 4.1

Able to cut very easily with a thin hard edge, like a knife

5 3.8

A quick, clear way of thinking that helps solve problems

4 6.1

A habit of speaking in a harsh, critical way

3 4.2

Very clear and exact so you can see every small detail

3 4.1

Able to see small things and notice small changes quickly

2 4.1

To make quick, clever, funny comments that amuse people

card sharp
  • Informal
1 9.3

A person who cheats at card games to win money

sharp cookie
  • Informal
1 5.6

A clever person who understands things quickly

1 6.0

The pointed, dangerous part of a thing or the most risky part of a situation

1 3.3

A neat, stylish outfit that fits the body well

1 3.2

A sudden, strong, short pain like a small prick

double sharp
  • Specialized
9.1

A sign that tells you to play a note two piano keys higher

The pointed end of a stick that can cut or poke

A thing with pointed corners like a table or shelf that can hurt you

A clever joke that can sting someone's feelings

A quick clever reply that answers an insult or criticism

Able to hear very quiet sounds

6.6

A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings

Someone who acts in a pushy way to get ahead and promote their own interests

With a pointed nose or front, for example a plane

The ability to see small details clearly with the eyes

The ability to notice small details by paying attention

Having sharp, pointed teeth like a shark

Saying harsh words to criticize someone or something

Able to see small things very clearly

Quick to notice and understand small details

A large land bird with pointed tail feathers found in western prairies and open forests

A strong, slightly sour taste like in aged cheese or salad dressing

How Sharp

razor-sharp
8 4.1
keen
5 3.5
sharp
301 1.0
blunt
109 1.0

Surface Forms

sharp positive
sharper comparative
sharpest superlative

Etymology

Sharp comes from an old English word scearp meaning 'cutting' or 'pointed', so think of a knife or pencil point. That is why a sharp blade or tip can cut or pierce easily.