easy
Please sharpen your pencil before the test.
What does Sharpen mean?
make sharper or clearer.
Dictionary definition
To make something sharper, clearer, or better focused.
Example sentences
Sharpen in a sentence
medium
Reading every day can sharpen vocabulary skills.
hard
The editor asked the writer to sharpen the main idea of the paragraph.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice sharpen in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Sharpen
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does sharpen mean?
Sharpen means make sharper or clearer.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to sharpen?
Improve is close in meaning to sharpen in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast for sharpen?
Dull contrasts with sharpen in this context.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Sharpen
Voice settings
Sounds like
shar · pun · strongest beat: shar
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSharpen.
Partverb.
MeaningSharpen means make sharper or clearer.
ExampleExample: Please sharpen your pencil before the test.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- shar · pun
- Strongest beat
- shar
- Ending
- pun
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on shar.
Your turn
Say Sharpen
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Nice work—you practiced sharpen.
Synonyms
Words like Sharpen
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice sharpen synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Writers revise to hone their skills," then compare close word choices. Practice sharpen synonyms.
Word family
Sharpen word family
Base word
sharp
verb
sharpen
To make sharp or clearer.
verb
sharpens
Sharpens now or regularly.
verb
sharpened
Made sharper or clearer in the past.
verb
sharpening
Making sharper or clearer now.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Sharpen
Hint for students
make sharper or clearer.
Common mix-up
Sharpen is not the same as dull. Sharpen means make sharper or clearer.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Reading every day can sharpen vocabulary skills. Clue words: reading, every, day. Underline clue words that show why sharpen fits instead of dull. Now write one new sentence that shows sharpen without using the word sharpen. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show sharpen?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Reading every day can sharpen vocabulary skills." Why does sharpen fit better than dull?
Learning activities
Practice Sharpen and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SHARPEN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SHARPEN
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with SHARPEN
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice SHARPEN
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes SHARPEN.
Practice SHARPEN
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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