sharp

modif.

1. Having a keen edge

   acute, edged, keen, keen-edged, razor-edged, sharpened, ground fine, honed, honed to razor sharpness, razor-sharp, sharp-edged, fine, cutting, knifelike, knife-edged.

   Antonyms dull*, unsharpened, blunt. *

2. Having a keen point

   pointed, keen, sharp-pointed, spiked, spiky, peaked, needle-pointed, keen, fine, salient, spiny, thorny, prickly, barbed, needlelike, briery, stinging, sharp as a needle, pronged, tapered, tapering, horned, unguiculate, acuate, acuminate, aculeate, muricate, aciculate, aciculated, aciculiform.

3. Having a keen mind

   clever, astute, bright; see intelligent 1.

4. Having the ability to wound with words

   caustic, biting, acrimonious; see sarcastic.

5. Not quite honest or honorable

   crafty, designing, underhand; see sly 1.

6. Distinct

   audible, visible, explicit; see clear 2, definite 2, obvious 1.

7. Vigilant

   attentive, watchful, close; see observant 1, 2.

8. Intense

   cutting, biting, piercing; see intense.

9. Vigorous

   brisk, energetic, lively; see active 2.

10. *Excellent

    fine, distinctive, first-class; see excellent.

11. *Stylish

    dressy, chic, in style; see fashionable.

sharp and keen both apply to that which is cutting, biting, incisive, or piercing, as because of a fine edge, but sharp more often implies a harsh cutting quality a sharp pain, tongue, flavor, etc. and keen often suggests a pleasantly biting or stimulating quality keen wit, delight, etc. or a marked enthusiasm or intensity a keen student; acute literally implies sharp-pointedness and figuratively suggests a penetrating or poignant quality acute hearing, distress, etc. and often connotes suddenness and severity an acute heart attack