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sharp

sharp

55 1.3
Easily seen or heard with clear detail
  • adjective
  • /ʃɑrp/
translation icon : nítido
  • Still, the image is otherwise quite sharp around the edges.
  • in sharp focus
  • a sharp image
  • bring into sharp focus

But any progress puts in sharper focus new mysteries.

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Examples

  • Now play the memory back with all the details in sharp focus.

  • They make a very nice sharp line on the top.

  • Text and images do look super sharp even up close.

  • So you get a very sharp image of that point.

  • The sky was clear; the light was sharp, and the colors looked bright and clean.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The final print, although small, is sharp and delightful to the eye.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Thunder can rock the house, and lightning brings everything into sharp focus for an instant.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The line between the dark and light portions was sharp, analogous to shadows cast by light rays.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Say, you're looking sharp.

  • The photograph was taken with a new lens, resulting in a sharp image that captured every detail.

Synonyms

clear
vssharp
40 1.0

Pure and distinct in sound or colour

is general distinctness rather than focus on purity or unmuddied quality
in focus
vssharp
18 3.3

Clear and easy to see or understand when people pay attention to it

is overall distinctness rather than concentrated mental or visual attention
bright
vssharp
17 3.8

A clear, sharp sound that is easy to hear

is simple distinctness rather than musical liveliness or resonance
crisp
vssharp
12 3.5

Clear and sharply defined, easy to see or hear

is general distinctness without extra emphasis on fine edges
razor-sharp
vssharp
3 4.2

Very clear and exact so you can see every small detail

is strong definition but not the extreme exactness or intensity
clean-cut
vssharp
1 4.0

With sharp edges and clear lines

is plain ability to perceive rather than tidy separation
focused
vssharp
2.9

A lens adjusted to show a clear, sharp picture

is the simple perceivable quality, not the act of adjusting an image

Very clear and exact so there is no doubt

is ordinary distinct perception rather than exaggerated or figurative emphasis

Antonyms

70 3.6

Looks unclear, so you cannot see details

40 3.7

A sound made quieter and less clear by something covering or blocking it

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 Clear

crisp
12 3.5
sharp
55 1.3
clear
1.0
blurry
70 3.6

Surface Forms

sharp positive
sharper comparative
sharpest superlative

Etymology

Sharp for clear sight or sound comes from the image of a clean edge, so a sharp picture or voice has clear, well-defined details like a cut edge.