Standard Lemma guide

sharpish

adj · adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Somewhat sharp (sudden, abrupt).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, not-comparable

Examples

  • The car made a sharpish turn.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Somewhat sharp; not blunt.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, not-comparable

Examples

  • a sharpish knife

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adv

Meaning 3

Rapidly, soon.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, not-comparable

Examples

  • You'd better mend your ways sharpish!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English sharp Proto-Indo-European *-iskos Proto-Germanic *-iskaz Proto-West Germanic *-isk Old English -isċ Middle English -ish English -ish English sharpish From sharp + -ish.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Irish: foghéar — not very sharp but not blunt
  • Māori: koikoi — not very sharp but not blunt
  • Polish: cierpkawy — not very sharp but not blunt
  • Polish: ostrawy — not very sharp but not blunt