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sharp

sharp

 
 
pronunciation:
sharp
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
inflections: sharper, sharpest
definition 1: having a thin edge or a fine point, esp. for cutting or piercing; not blunt.
Every chef needs sharp knives.
 
synonyms:
acute, fine, keen
antonyms:
blunt, dull
similar words:
acuminate, pointed, pointy
definition 2: causing a drastic or sudden change in direction.
Slow down, the road makes a sharp turn up ahead.The driver made a sharp turn and the cargo shifted.
synonyms:
abrupt, quick, sudden
antonyms:
dull, gentle, gradual
similar words:
acute, drastic, precipitous, rapid, steep
definition 3: biting to the sense of taste or smell; pungent.
I prefer sharp cheese to mild cheese.
synonyms:
nippy, piquant, pungent, tart
antonyms:
mellow, mild
similar words:
acid, acidic, acrid, bitter, penetrating, peppery, sour, spicy, strong, vinegary
definition 4: piercing to the sense of sound; shrill.
The smoke alarm makes a sharp noise when it's activated.
synonyms:
high-pitched, penetrating, piercing, shrill
antonyms:
dull
similar words:
cutting, earsplitting, harsh, raucous, strident
definition 5: harsh and hurtful; caustic.
She apologized for her sharp words.When the pains became very sharp, he finally went to the doctor.
synonyms:
acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, pungent, tart
antonyms:
gentle, kind
similar words:
acid, bitter, brisk, critical, cruel, cutting, harsh, hurtful, incisive, mordant, sarcastic, scathing, unkind, vitriolic
definition 6: clearly outlined or detailed; distinct.
My phone camera takes nice, sharp images.
synonyms:
distinct
antonyms:
blurry, dreamy, indistinct, misty
similar words:
clear, keen, precise, vivid
definition 7: mentally quick; alert.
He's a particularly sharp student who shows a great deal of promise.
synonyms:
alert, bright, clever, keen, perceptive, quick, quick-witted, smart
antonyms:
blunt, dim, dull, slow, stupid
similar words:
acute, agile, apt, astute, attentive, brilliant, clearheaded, incisive, intelligent, knowing, lively, penetrating, pungent, ready, shrewd
definition 8: shrewd; astute.
She's always been a sharp observer of politics.
synonyms:
astute, discerning, keen, penetrating, perceptive, shrewd, smart
antonyms:
unperceptive
similar words:
acute, artful, biting, canny, clever, cunning, incisive, intelligent, knowing, tart
definition 9: in music, half a step higher in pitch. (Cf. flat1.)
antonyms:
flat
definition 10: excellent in ability to perceive; keen.
Bats have both good eyesight and sharp hearing.Eagles have sharp eyes that allow them to see their prey from high above the ground.
definition 11: fashionable or nicely dressed and groomed.
He looks sharp in his new suit, doesn't he?
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adverb
inflections: sharper, sharpest
definition 1: in an alert way.
Look sharp, or you will miss the bus.
synonyms:
acutely, alertly, keenly, suddenly
similar words:
closely, quickly
definition 2: exactly.
The meeting will start at three o'clock sharp.
synonyms:
exactly, on the nose, precisely
antonyms:
approximately, roughly
similar words:
just, on the dot, promptly
definition 3: slightly higher than the intended pitch.
She tends to sing sharp.
antonyms:
flat
similar words:
high, off
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: in music, a tone that is a half step higher than the specified one. (Cf. flat1.)
My mistake was that I played the last sharp as a natural.
definition 2: in music, an instruction in the key signature that calls for a certain note to be played or sung a half step higher than written wherever it appears in the music, or a notation that a particular single note is to be played or sung a half step higher.
This piece has three sharps.
derivations: sharply (adv.), sharpness (n.)
Word Builder: sharp +
  • sharpen:
    to make sharp or sharper.
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