1
as in to sharpen
to make sharp or sharper
honed the knife's blade to razor-like sharpness honed his crossword-puzzle skills by reading the dictionary as though it were a thrilling novel
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hone
Those entering grades six to 12 can explore local lakes via kayak and hone their fishing skills under the guidance of professional kayak fishing instructors from Chi-Yak Adventures during the upcoming Youth Kayak Fishing Experience sessions organized by the Kane County Forest Preserve District.
—
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
The goal is both to increase genetic diversity and to hone genetic editing techniques to fortify existing but threatened species.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 July 2025
Giving employees the chance to respond helps hone confidence over time and could enable a higher level of performance in the long term.
—Andrea Vargas, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Having spent a decade in Nashville honing her craft, Angie K is finding a newfound confidence and authenticity.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hone
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
The goal is both to increase genetic diversity and to hone genetic editing techniques to fortify existing but threatened species.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 July 2025
Giving employees the chance to respond helps hone confidence over time and could enable a higher level of performance in the long term.
—Andrea Vargas, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Having spent a decade in Nashville honing her craft, Angie K is finding a newfound confidence and authenticity.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hone
Verb
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This takes many forms, such as advisory boards and customer summits, and experience has taught me that this input can sharpen your product roadmap and positioning, accelerate deals and improve conversions. 5.—
Meghan Keough,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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This show challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what l’m made of.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Cats can rub against concrete to mark their territory and feel more secure because the scent lingers on the material longer than on smoother surfaces.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
23 July 2025
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Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
Verb
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The airy, high-ceilinged white dining rooms are largely intact, the wooden floors polished, the tables set with good linens, the lighting excellent.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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His work to polish his technique over the past year and change will come to the forefront this season.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Before cars are painted, workers still run gloved hands over them and sand smooth any tiny imperfections.—
Keith Bradsher,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
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Its secure seal acts like a vault around your phone to keep water and sand out and scratches off your screen.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
Verb
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This precise semiautomatic machine can grind your beans, push out balanced shots, and froth your milk.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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The fact that everybody was there and everyone was grinding, there was that little extra motivation to really get this thing going.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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His family is filing a wrongful death suit against the park, and their lawyer, Esther Avalos (Nicola Correia-Damude), visits Turner and Jill alike, sniffing around for information about his disappearance.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
20 July 2025
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In May, Jackson filed a request for a restraining order in L.A. County Superior Court against Burgin, 21, alleging domestic violence.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hone. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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