Synonyms for

Keen

Verb / ki:n / Another word for keen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Having a sharp edge or point; intellectually sharp; intense or strong.

Synonyms & similar words

incisive cracking nifty corking lancinate penetrative exquisite stabbing dandy bangup swell piercing groovy knifelike penetrating acute discriminating sharp bully great lament cutting lancinating notbad peachy sharp acute intense eager enthusiastic passionate zealous fervent ardent bright clever astute shrewd perceptive observant discerning penetrating insightful intellectual smart

Synonyms by register

Formal

eager ardent zealous avid

Informal

up for it game enthusiastic jazzed

Literary

fervent impassioned vehement

Antonyms

uninterested apathetic indifferent sluggish dull obtuse

Common collocations

  • keen interest
  • keen eye
  • keen mind
  • keen sense
  • keen competition
  • keen observer
  • keen on

Word family

noun keenness
adjective keen

Usage note

When used to describe a person's interest or desire, 'keen' is often followed by 'on' (e.g., 'keen on learning'). It can also describe sharpness or intensity.

Example sentences

  1. The keen wind made it difficult to walk.
  2. Her keen eyesight allowed her to spot the bird in the tree.
  3. He had a keen interest in learning about space.
  4. She showed a keen understanding of the situation.
  5. The knife had a keen edge that made cutting through the bread easy.

Quotes

  • The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities. - Sophocles
  • The keenest of all our senses is the sense of sight. - Robert Delaunay
  • The keenest of all joys is to be conscious of virtue. - Michel de Montaigne

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