Recurring crossword clue · multiple possible answers

Sharp crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 20, 2026

Best starting answer

Start with KEEN for four letters in the general edge or intellect sense, ACUTE for five letters when the clue suggests an angle or pain, ASTUTE for six letters when it means mentally perceptive, and TART or ACID for a biting taste or tone.

Sharp answers by length

The correct fill depends on the number of squares, crossing letters, and the sense intended by the setter.

3 letters

WRYDryly or sharply humorous in tone.

4 letters

KEENSharp-edged, perceptive, intense, or highly sensitive.

ACIDSharp or biting in taste, language, or tone.

TARTSharp-tasting, sour, or biting in manner.

CHICStylish or fashionable; looking sharp.

5 letters

ACUTESharp in angle, pain, perception, or intensity.

SMARTMentally sharp, stylish, or causing a stinging pain.

ALERTMentally sharp, attentive, and quick to notice.

SPIKYCovered with or shaped into sharp points.

CRISPSharp, clear, cleanly defined, or brisk.

EXACTSharp in the sense of precise or exactly on time.

6 letters

ASTUTEMentally sharp and perceptive in judgment.

POINTYHaving a narrow, sharp, or projecting end.

BITINGSharp and severe in cold, taste, wit, or criticism.

ABRUPTSharp or sudden in change, manner, or movement.

SHRILLSharp, high-pitched, and piercing in sound.

7 letters

CUTTINGSharp-edged or hurtfully critical in speech.

PUNGENTSharp and strong in smell, taste, or language.

STYLISHFashionable, polished, or looking sharp.

PIQUANTPleasantly sharp in taste or stimulating in interest.

8 letters

PIERCINGExtremely sharp in sound, sight, pain, or perception.

INCISIVEIntellectually sharp, direct, and clear in analysis.

Meanings to check

Having a keen edge, point, angle, or projection.
Mentally quick, perceptive, alert, or astute.
Sudden, severe, exact, or clearly defined.
Biting, tart, acidic, pungent, or cutting in tone.
Stylish in appearance or piercing in sound.

Common Sharp clue variants

mentally sharp crossword clue

Use the entry length to distinguish general quickness from judgment, attention, or incisive analysis.

KEEN4 lettersACUTE5 lettersSMART5 lettersALERT5 lettersASTUTE6 lettersINCISIVE8 letters

sharp taste crossword clue

A food or flavor clue usually wants sourness, acidity, spice, or a biting sensory quality.

ACID4 lettersTART4 lettersBITING6 lettersPUNGENT7 lettersPIQUANT7 letters

sharp sound crossword clue

Sound wording narrows Sharp to a high, harsh, or penetrating auditory quality.

SHRILL6 lettersPIERCING8 letters

looking sharp crossword clue

Appearance or fashion context points away from edges and toward a polished stylish sense.

CHIC4 lettersSMART5 lettersSTYLISH7 letters