sharpen
verb (used with or without object)
had sharpened
-
past perfectof sharpen.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She turned her attention toward two of her most deeply held interests, which had sharpened in focus after the Palisades fire: community-oriented work, and the pervasive problem of sexism in American culture.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026
Some of them had sharpened spikes at the bottom and are thought to be traps for hunting animals, while others are believed to be hiding spaces he used when outsiders approached.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2022
He added that the supply problems had sharpened Bentley's focus and investment on developing a simple harness for EVs that will be run by a central computer.
From Reuters ● May 30, 2022
Elsewhere in the West, the Civil War had sharpened the contest between whites and Indians, beginning with events in 1862.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 18, 2018
Maybe it was the danger closing in from all sides that had sharpened his senses.
From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz
