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sharp

sharp

152 3.3
Quick at noticing small details and understanding things
  • adjective
  • /ʃɑrp/
translation icon : agudo
  • Her sharp wit always impresses everyone at the debates.
  • a sharp mind
  • keep you sharp
  • a sharp eye

She was very, very sharp and fearless.

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Examples

  • You might realize that it keeps you sharp, keeps you on your toes.

  • As it turns out, Paulikoff might be one of the sharpest of the bunch.

  • I very much want to stay crazy sharp until the day I die.

  • You are looking very sharp this morning.

  • Moon was only five years old, but being sharp like he is, he knew what was going on.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • No matter what I do, at least one problem keeps my mind sharp and it's worth it.

  • Wow, got some sharp people who can communicate.

  • I have to be mentally sharp to deal with the next call.

  • Another way is to have a sharp eye for emerging patterns.

    Academic text (2006)
  • She was very, very sharp and fearless.

Synonyms

quick
vssharp
61 3.2

Able to understand and answer fast

adds the idea of detail awareness and astute judgment beyond speed
keen
vssharp
57 2.8

Having a quick, clear mind that notices small details

is broader focusing on quick intelligence and fine detail
shrewd
vssharp
50 4.7

Good at judging situations and making smart business decisions

is general quick intelligence and fine detail noticing not only practical skill
perceptive
vssharp
43 5.5

Quick to notice or understand small details and meaning

is broader meaning quick intellect and fine detail awareness
astute
vssharp
40 6.9

Good at understanding a situation quickly and using it to get an advantage

is quick intelligence and noticing rather than focused on advantage
acute
vssharp
21 4.1

Able to notice and understand things quickly

is less about intensity and more about steady quick intelligence
incisive
vssharp
  • Formal
8 6.8

Showing a clear, deep understanding and explaining ideas sharply

is about quick intelligence and noticing detail rather than expression
razor-sharp
vssharp
8 4.1

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

is less extreme and means quick intelligence and detail notice
sharp as a tack
vssharp
  • Informal
5 6.7

Able to understand new things very quickly

means quick intelligence but not necessarily extreme mental speed
quick-witted
vssharp
4 4.8

Able to think and give smart fast answers

is quick in noticing and understanding details not only witty replies
penetrating
vssharp
3 5.4

Quick to understand and notice important details

is more general quick intelligence and attention to fine detail
sharp-eyed
vssharp
3 4.1

Able to see small things and notice small changes quickly

is broader applying to quick intelligence and detail notice not only vision
discriminating
vssharp
2 6.2

Showing good taste and the ability to notice small differences in quality

is general quick intelligence and detail awareness not limited to taste
percipient
vssharp
  • Formal
1 9.2

Able to notice and understand things quickly

is similar but stresses general quick intelligence rather than narrow perception
piercing
vssharp
1 6.3

A person who notices and understands things quickly and deeply

focuses on quick intelligence and fine detail rather than forceful effect
clear-sighted
vssharp
1 5.5

Able to think clearly, understand quickly, and make good judgments

is about quick intelligence and ability to notice fine details
penetrative
vssharp
7.5

Understands things quickly and deeply

is general quick perception and detail noticing rather than rare depth

Very clear and exact so there is no doubt

is the common idea of quick intelligence rather than hyperbole
knifelike
vssharp
6.8

Thinking or words that are very sharp and hurt people quickly

is about quick intelligence and noticing details not aggression
quick-sighted
vssharp
6.0

Quick to notice small changes or details that others miss

is broader meaning quick intelligence and fine detail awareness beyond sight
sharp-sighted
vssharp
5.2

Quick to notice and understand small details

is about general quick intellect and detail noticing beyond vision

Antonyms

obtuse
  • Offensive
14 7.4

Slow to understand what other people mean

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 Clever

brilliant
949 3.7
astute
40 6.9
sharp
152 3.3
clever
573 1.7
alert
82 2.8

Surface Forms

sharp positive
sharper comparative
sharpest superlative

Etymology

Sharp for a quick mind comes from the idea of being 'keen' or 'pointed' like a blade, so a sharp person notices details and understands things fast.