sharpen
2 antonyms and opposites of sharpen, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To make something sharp or sharper.
Antonyms
How to use sharpen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English scharpenen, formed from sharp plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Full origin of sharpen →Frequently asked questions
What does “sharpen” mean?
The word “sharpen” means to make something sharp or sharper. In plain terms, to make (or become) sharper — literally, like a blade, or figuratively, like a skill or focus.
How do you pronounce “sharpen”?
“Sharpen” is pronounced SHAH-puhn (/ˈʃɑɹpən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sharpen” in a sentence?
Here is “sharpen” used in a sentence: “He sharpened the axe before chopping the wood.”
What is another word for “sharpen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sharpen” include hone and whet.
What is the opposite of “sharpen”?
The opposite of “sharpen” — its antonyms — are blunt and blur.
What part of speech is “sharpen”?
“Sharpen” is a verb.
Where does the word “sharpen” come from?
The word “sharpen” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scharpenen, formed from sharp plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Is “sharpen” a common word?
“Sharpen” is an uncommon word in modern English.