sharpness — English Dictionary

Noun

1. the cutting ability of an edge; keenness.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

2. the fineness of the point a pointed object.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

3. The product or result of being sharp.

   Usage

   • Countable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The first thing that strikes the stranger is the sharpness of the curves on the metre gauge; it is not unusual for a long train to be travelling in three directions at once, and the engine is frequently in full view of the windows of the ninth or tenth carriage.

4. pungency or acidity.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • of food etc

5. distinctness, focus.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • of an image

6. acuteness or acuity.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • of intelligence

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Mrs. PAGE is gifted with a pleasing voice, which is yet imperfectly weeded of certain sharpnesses, but seems susceptible of a wide range of melodious inflection.

   A lack of match sharpness was perhaps to blame for Rooney squandering England's best chance after 27 minutes.

7. edge or blade

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   CUT-WATER, or KNEE OF THE HEAD [S.] the ſharpneſs of the head of the ſhip, below the beak;

   also thei smytiden bi the scharpnesse of swerd, oxun, and scheep, and assis.

Noun

1. a quick and penetrating intelligence

   Synonyms

   acutenessacuitykeenness

   Broader terms

   intelligence

   Examples

   he argued with great acuteness

   I admired the keenness of his mind

2. the attribute of urgency in tone of voice

   Synonyms

   edge

   Broader terms

   urgency

   Examples

   his voice had an edge to it

3. a strong odor or taste property

   Synonyms

   pungencybiteraciness

   Broader terms

   spicinessspicespicery

   Examples

   the pungency of mustard

   the sulfurous bite of garlic

   More examples (2)

   the sharpness of strange spices

   the raciness of the wine

4. the quality of being keenly and painfully felt

   Broader terms

   painfulnessdistressingness

   Examples

   the sharpness of her loss

5. thinness of edge or fineness of point

   Synonyms

   keenness

   Antonyms

   dullness

   Broader terms

   shapeformconfigurationcontourconformation

6. the quality of being sharp and clear

   Synonyms

   distinctness

   Antonyms

   softness

   Broader terms

   clearnessclarityuncloudedness

7. harshness of manner

   Synonyms

   asperity

   Antonyms

   dullness

   Broader terms

   ill nature