keen
1 of 3adjective
ˈkēn 
1
a
: intellectually alert : having or characteristic of a quick penetrating mind
a keen student
a keen awareness of the problem
also : shrewdly astute
a keen assessment
b
: extremely sensitive in perception
keen eyes
a keen sense of smell
c
: sharply contested
keen competition
keen debate
2
a(1)
: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : enthusiastic
a keen swimmer
(2)
: eager
was keen to begin
b
of emotion or feeling : intense
the keen delight in the chase—
F. W. Maitland
F. W. Maitland3
: wonderful, excellent
a keen idea
4
a
: having a fine edge or point : sharp
a knife with a keen blade
b
: affecting one as if by cutting
keen sarcasm
c
: pungent to the sense
a keen scent
keenly adverb
keenness
ˈkēn-nəs
noun keen
2 of 3verb
keened; keening; keens
intransitive verb
1
a
: to make a loud and long cry of sorrow : to lament with a keen
b
: to make a sound suggestive of a loud cry of sorrow
a keening siren
2
: to lament, mourn, or complain loudly
transitive verb
: to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cry
keened our sorrow—Punch
Punch keener noun
keen
3 of 3noun
: a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or sometimes in a wordless cry
Synonyms
Adjective
- acute
- delicate
- fine
- perceptive
- quick
- sensitive
- sharp
Verb
- beef
- bellyache
- bitch
- bleat
- carp
- caterwaul
- complain
- crab
- croak
- fuss
- gripe
- grizzle
- grouch
- grouse
- growl
- grumble
- grump
- holler
- inveigh
- kick
- kvetch
- maunder [chiefly British]
- moan
- murmur
- mutter
- nag
- repine
- scream
- squawk
- squeal
- wail
- whimper
- whine
- whinge [British]
- yammer
- yawp
- yaup
- yowl
Noun
- groan
- howl
- lament
- lamentation
- moan
- plaint
- wail
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective When you've been trying to remember something and you suddenly remember it, the mental pleasure is keen. —Ian Frazier, Atlantic, October 2004 Indeed, tobacco processors were keen to promote variety even further by saturating and mixing the cut and spun leaf with a miscellany of spices … —Simon Schama, The Embarrassment of Riches, 1988 But Mary wasn't keen on braving the Athens streets alone so Magnus went instead; Mary would do a museum in the morning. —John le Carré, A Perfect Spy, 1986 That he took a keen interest in scientific navigation is indicated by his keeping a daybook or journal (which has not survived), and by making an honest effort to determine longitude. —Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971 The keen clear wind swept in on his left cheek, and as he bore on the helm so the Sophie answered, quicker and more nervous than he had expected. —Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander, 1970 Planting himself squarely before the two tall cowboys who were standing, he looked straight into their lean, bronzed faces. He spared a full moment for that keen cool gaze before he spoke. —Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913 She's a very keen observer of the political world. pilots with especially keen eyesight Verb mourners keening at a funeral victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid Noun the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city See More
Ian Frazier, Atlantic, October 2004 Indeed, tobacco processors were keen to promote variety even further by saturating and mixing the cut and spun leaf with a miscellany of spices … —Simon Schama, The Embarrassment of Riches, 1988 But Mary wasn't keen on braving the Athens streets alone so Magnus went instead; Mary would do a museum in the morning. —John le Carré, A Perfect Spy, 1986 That he took a keen interest in scientific navigation is indicated by his keeping a daybook or journal (which has not survived), and by making an honest effort to determine longitude. —Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971 The keen clear wind swept in on his left cheek, and as he bore on the helm so the Sophie answered, quicker and more nervous than he had expected. —Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander, 1970 Planting himself squarely before the two tall cowboys who were standing, he looked straight into their lean, bronzed faces. He spared a full moment for that keen cool gaze before he spoke. —Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913 She's a very keen observer of the political world. pilots with especially keen eyesight Verb mourners keening at a funeral victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid Noun the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city See More Recent Examples on the WebSerhii Korolchuk, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023 Lymarenko and his unit, which is part of the Zaporizhzhia Territorial Defense Force, are training in the region and keen to fight here. —Steve Hendrix And Serhii Korolchuk, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Feb. 2023 As the new Defender has a less rugged but more refined passenger-car-style monocoque chassis, Sir Jim, a keen fisherman, adventurer and collector of old Land Rovers, figured that there would still be a market for a simple, tough and affordable 4×4. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2023 And some members of the Republican caucus seemed keen to highlight the distinctions between the thoughtful, unity-emphasizing Biden and their own party’s shameful descent. —CNN, 8 Feb. 2023 Executive chef Denis Gamard hails from Nîmes near Montpellier and has become a keen student of Niçois flavors and ingredients since moving to Nice. —Chrissie Mcclatchie, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2023 These are the companies that appeal to bartender newbies and seasoned veterans alike, respected for their durability and keen design. —Mark Stock, Men's Health, 1 Feb. 2023 In season 2, Tracy Oliver's terrific comedy about four friends in the titular NYC neighborhood elevates its keen wit, engrossing relationship drama, and sly cultural commentary with even more confidence. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2023 But as devoted Kardashian acolytes and keen jewelry observers alike already know, this wasn't Kiki's first rodeo. —Leena Kim, Town & Country, 31 Jan. 2023 Henry Flynn, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022 How to claim $1,000 first-bet insurance Marylanders can get into the action at BetMGM, with sports bettors keen on signing up and making the most of the $1,000 first-bet insurance welcome bonus. —Catena Media, oregonlive, 28 Nov. 2022 The ensuing delays have tempted companies initially keen on a Dallas address to look elsewhere. —Dallas News, 14 Feb. 2022 Priya Kansara leads as Ria, a daydreamer and keen martial artist who aspires to become a stuntwoman. —Thomas Page, CNN, 27 Jan. 2023 Instead, the country cleaved into the people who were concerned about Covid and keen to reduce its spread and the people who thought the cure — school closures and the like — was substantially worse than the disease. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 27 Dec. 2022 Still work-appropriate, these wide-leg pants from Anne Klein come in a taupe color that will blend in when presenting in front of the execs, but will also leave your keen-on-fashion co-workers smiling with pride. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2023 The story strains to be as big as Hollywood, Altmanesque with dialogue and mishaps, keen on the power of mixed fates, people falling from grace, ascending to the heights of fame, or one and then the other. —K. Austin Collins, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2022 Caves and skylights on Mars and the moon have recently attracted the attention of researchers keen on finding the best places to build extraterrestrial habitats (as well as those looking for extraterrestrial — likely microbial — life). —Discover Magazine, 5 May 2015 Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023 For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant. —Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023 All three species are, in fact, powerful stimulants, and, as such, have long attracted those keen to enjoy their attributes. —Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022 This historic city on the country's southeast coast not only has one of the most beautiful castles in Scandinavia but is also ideal for those keen on outdoor adventure. —Joe Minihane, CNN, 8 Nov. 2022 The Ravens have a hole at wide receiver but a front office keen on preserving its draft capital. —Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Oct. 2022 The appeal of eating these foods outdoors is partly about smell: A hot dog smothered in onions benefits from a bit of outdoor breeze to carry the onion smell away and keep your appetite keen. —Bee Wilson, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Speaking of those keen on harming the former Mrs. Fred Waterford, Mayday has come through for June. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2022 Pitbulls were once popular, especially among those keen on dog fights. —Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 13 Sep. 2022 See More
Adjective
Lymarenko and his unit, which is part of the Zaporizhzhia Territorial Defense Force, are training in the region and keen to fight here. —Serhii Korolchuk, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023 Lymarenko and his unit, which is part of the Zaporizhzhia Territorial Defense Force, are training in the region and keen to fight here. —Steve Hendrix And Serhii Korolchuk, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Feb. 2023 As the new Defender has a less rugged but more refined passenger-car-style monocoque chassis, Sir Jim, a keen fisherman, adventurer and collector of old Land Rovers, figured that there would still be a market for a simple, tough and affordable 4×4. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2023 And some members of the Republican caucus seemed keen to highlight the distinctions between the thoughtful, unity-emphasizing Biden and their own party’s shameful descent. —CNN, 8 Feb. 2023 Executive chef Denis Gamard hails from Nîmes near Montpellier and has become a keen student of Niçois flavors and ingredients since moving to Nice. —Chrissie Mcclatchie, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2023 These are the companies that appeal to bartender newbies and seasoned veterans alike, respected for their durability and keen design. —Mark Stock, Men's Health, 1 Feb. 2023 In season 2, Tracy Oliver's terrific comedy about four friends in the titular NYC neighborhood elevates its keen wit, engrossing relationship drama, and sly cultural commentary with even more confidence. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2023 But as devoted Kardashian acolytes and keen jewelry observers alike already know, this wasn't Kiki's first rodeo. —Leena Kim, Town & Country, 31 Jan. 2023 Verb
Sevilla, also keen on Otamendi, is still an unlikely candidate to go down—a fate that would see its global status suffer a hefty blow. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022 How to claim $1,000 first-bet insurance Marylanders can get into the action at BetMGM, with sports bettors keen on signing up and making the most of the $1,000 first-bet insurance welcome bonus. —Catena Media, oregonlive, 28 Nov. 2022 The ensuing delays have tempted companies initially keen on a Dallas address to look elsewhere. —Dallas News, 14 Feb. 2022 Priya Kansara leads as Ria, a daydreamer and keen martial artist who aspires to become a stuntwoman. —Thomas Page, CNN, 27 Jan. 2023 Instead, the country cleaved into the people who were concerned about Covid and keen to reduce its spread and the people who thought the cure — school closures and the like — was substantially worse than the disease. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 27 Dec. 2022 Still work-appropriate, these wide-leg pants from Anne Klein come in a taupe color that will blend in when presenting in front of the execs, but will also leave your keen-on-fashion co-workers smiling with pride. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2023 The story strains to be as big as Hollywood, Altmanesque with dialogue and mishaps, keen on the power of mixed fates, people falling from grace, ascending to the heights of fame, or one and then the other. —K. Austin Collins, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2022 Caves and skylights on Mars and the moon have recently attracted the attention of researchers keen on finding the best places to build extraterrestrial habitats (as well as those looking for extraterrestrial — likely microbial — life). —Discover Magazine, 5 May 2015 Noun
For those keen to explore the country deeper and differently, Vinho Verde awaits. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2023 For those keen on camping, this portable, self-inflating tent is designed to be water- and weather-resistant. —Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023 All three species are, in fact, powerful stimulants, and, as such, have long attracted those keen to enjoy their attributes. —Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022 This historic city on the country's southeast coast not only has one of the most beautiful castles in Scandinavia but is also ideal for those keen on outdoor adventure. —Joe Minihane, CNN, 8 Nov. 2022 The Ravens have a hole at wide receiver but a front office keen on preserving its draft capital. —Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Oct. 2022 The appeal of eating these foods outdoors is partly about smell: A hot dog smothered in onions benefits from a bit of outdoor breeze to carry the onion smell away and keep your appetite keen. —Bee Wilson, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Speaking of those keen on harming the former Mrs. Fred Waterford, Mayday has come through for June. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2022 Pitbulls were once popular, especially among those keen on dog fights. —Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 13 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Middle English kene brave, sharp, from Old English cēne brave; akin to Old High German kuoni brave
Verb
Irish caoinim I lament, weep
First Known Use
Adjective
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a
Verb
1845, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Noun
1830, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing keen
Kids Definition
keen
1 of 3 adjective ˈkēn
1
: having a sharp edge or point
a keen knife
2
: seeming to cut or sting
a keen wind
3
: full of enthusiasm
keen about baseball
4
a
: having or showing mental sharpness
a keen mind
b
: very sensitive (as in seeing or hearing)
keen eyesight
5
: very nice : wonderful
gee, that's keen
keenly adverb
keenness
ˈkēn-nəs
noun keen
2 of 3 verb : to mourn in a loud wailing voice
keen
3 of 3 noun : a mourning for the dead with loud wails
keen 1 of 3
adjective
1
as in quick
able to sense slight impressions or differences pilots with especially keen eyesight Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- quick
- sensitive
- sharp
- acute
- good
- perceptive
- delicate
- accurate
- sensible
- fine
- clear
- precise
- receptive
- subtle
- discerning
- piercing
- hypersensitive
- supersensitive
- oversensitive
- hyperacute
- hair-trigger
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dulled
- bad
- dull
- fading
- insensitive
- dead
- insensible
- dimmed
- numb
- deadened
- imperceptive
- imprecise
- inaccurate
2
as in sharp
causing intense discomfort to one's skin the keen wind gave me chapped lips Synonyms & Similar Words
- sharp
- biting
- bitter
- shrewd
- smarting
- brisk
- penetrating
- cutting
- piercing
- stinging
- raw
- invigorating
- snappy
- tingling
- caustic
- prickly
- nippy
- corrosive
- needlelike
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- gentle
- mild
- soothing
- balmy
3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something lanced the boil with a keen scalpel Synonyms & Similar Words
- sharpened
- sharp
- whetted
- cutting
- honed
- edged
- trenchant
- ground
- edgy
- stropped
- jagged
- pointed
- knifelike
- scratching
- piercing
- jabbing
- stabbing
- daggerlike
- clawlike
- spiky
- pointy
- lacerating
- spikey
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- blunt
- dull
- smooth
- dulled
- soft
- rounded
- even
- blunted
- obtuse
- flat
- level
- slick
4
as in clever
having or showing quickness of mind readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical Synonyms & Similar Words
- quick
- clever
- intelligent
- smart
- fast
- brilliant
- sharp
- exceptional
- wise
- bright
- skilled
- educated
- wise
- nimble
- alert
- brainy
- informed
- learned
- sensible
- astute
- savvy
- cunning
- schooled
- quick-witted
- resourceful
- trained
- knowledgeable
- sharp-witted
- discerning
- apt
- prudent
- supersmart
- perceptive
- perspicacious
- acute
- literate
- sagacious
- knowing
- creative
- ultrasmart
- insightful
- ingenious
- shrewd
- reasonable
- cerebral
- heady
- erudite
- judicious
- hyperintelligent
- inventive
- sane
- percipient
- scholarly
- wily
- logical
- sound
- highbrow
- rational
- crafty
- well-read
- genial
- sage
- foxy
- sapient
- sapient
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- slow
- simple
- dumb
- stupid
- soft
- dull
- dim
- thick
- obtuse
- dense
- fatuous
- dopey
- doltish
- mindless
- thickheaded
- opaque
- brainless
- witless
- unbrilliant
- dunderheaded
- foolish
- vacuous
- pinheaded
- lamebrained
- gormless
- dorky
- softheaded
- unintelligent
- lamebrain
- unsmart
- boneheaded
- simpleminded
- silly
- senseless
- chuckleheaded
- bubbleheaded
- knuckleheaded
- dopy
- idiotical
- feebleminded
- mad
- idiotic
- ignorant
- dim-witted
- uninformed
- moronic
- unwise
- uneducated
- imbecile
- slow-witted
- brain-dead
- airheaded
- thick-witted
- daft
- lunkheaded
- weak-minded
- half-witted
- birdbrained
- illiterate
- crazy
- imbecilic
- untaught
- unthinking
- insane
- empty-headed
- fool
- nutty
- absurd
- whacky
- nonintellectual
- loony
- unacademic
- dippy
- lunatic
- zany
- unintellectual
- wacky
- kooky
- lowbrow
- boobish
- preposterous
- cuckoo
- dotty
- harebrained
- daffy
- half-baked
- balmy
- sappy
- nonsensical
- asinine
- looney
- cockeyed
- screwball
- crackpot
- featherheaded
- tomfool
- half-baked
- kookie
5
as in excellent
of the very best kind that new digital camera sure is keen Synonyms & Similar Words
- excellent
- great
- wonderful
- lovely
- terrific
- superb
- fantastic
- awesome
- fabulous
- beautiful
- stellar
- fine
- prime
- marvelous
- hot
- brave
- cool
- neat
- famous
- good
- marvellous
- quality
- choice
- cracking
- classic
- slick
- splendid
- exceptional
- sensational
- immense
- heavenly
- superior
- fab
- mean
- brag
- swell
- gone
- unsurpassed
- superlative
- divine
- nifty
- peachy keen
- better
- noble
- top
- decent
- sterling
- groovy
- peachy
- dandy
- too much
- radical
- crackerjack
- par excellence
- prize
- frontline
- capital
- prizewinning
- adequate
- bully
- grand
- bonny
- topping
- boss
- corking
- tip-top
- down
- dope
- special
- dynamite
- first-rate
- top-notch
- hype
- fantabulous
- righteous
- bumper
- high-class
- gangbusters
- topflight
- number one
- boffo
- primo
- banner
- satisfactory
- first-class
- fancy
- wizard
- all right
- acceptable
- supernal
- bang-up
- gangbuster
- numero uno
- bonnie
- blue-chip
- A-OK
- jim-dandy
- top-shelf
- phat
- out of this world
- classical
- first-string
- traditional
- select
- gilt-edge
- five-star
- blue-ribbon
- four-star
- top-of-the-line
- gilt-edged
- passable
- premium
- out-of-sight
- tolerable
- No. 1
- A1
- okay
- standard
- superfine
- OK
- high-grade
- high-test
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- poor
- terrible
- awful
- lousy
- pathetic
- bad
- rotten
- atrocious
- wretched
- vile
- unsatisfactory
- execrable
- inferior
- substandard
- mediocre
- middling
- low-grade
- second-rate
- second-class
6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry Synonyms & Similar Words
- excited
- eager
- avid
- enthusiastic
- anxious
- ardent
- interested
- enthused
- hungry
- desirous
- happy
- impatient
- willing
- ready
- raring
- pumped
- stoked
- solicitous
- voracious
- thirsty
- great
- nuts
- greedy
- agog
- antsy
- geeked
- athirst
- crazy
- engaged
- juiced
- hepped up
- obsessed
- gung ho
- chomping at the bit
- wild
- hot
- glad
- champing at the bit
- longing
- ambitious
- hopped-up
- hankering
- inclined
- craving
- covetous
- pining
- restless
- hung up
- amenable
- disposed
- restive
- breathless
- appetent
- game
- unreluctant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indifferent
- uninterested
- unconcerned
- apathetic
- casual
- disinterested
- unenthusiastic
- reluctant
- nonchalant
- aloof
- detached
- unwilling
- incurious
- insouciant
- hesitant
- loath
- stolid
- averse
- impassive
- uneager
- lukewarm
- languid
- lackadaisical
- halfhearted
- spiritless
- loth
- disinclined
- loathe
- languorous
7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else Synonyms & Similar Words
- intense
- intensive
- fierce
- ferocious
- furious
- deep
- terrible
- fearful
- heavy
- hard
- acute
- profound
- vehement
- heightened
- fearsome
- violent
- vicious
- dreadful
- exquisite
- ghastly
- explosive
- almighty
- intensified
- concentrated
- excruciating
- stressed
- emphasized
- blistering
- frightful
- enhanced
- aggravated
- accentuated
- thorough
- harsh
- deepened
- severe
- heavy-duty
- hellacious
- exhaustive
- rigorous
- magnified
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- moderate
- light
- soft
- weak
- feeble
- qualified
- shallow
- superficial
- eased
- decreased
- subdued
- diminished
- reduced
- toned (down)
- moderated
- lightened
- lessened
- alleviated
- abated
keen
2 of 3noun
as in wail
a crying out in grief the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city Synonyms & Similar Words
- wail
- tears
- mourning
- groan
- lament
- cry
- moan
- lamentation
- howl
- weeping
- regret
- suffering
- plaint
- sob
- protest
- grieving
- sorrowing
- outcry
- sorrow
- anguish
- agonizing
- heartbreak
- woe
- grief
- complaint
- hand-wringing
- heartache
- cri de coeur
- dolor
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- smiling
- rejoicing
- exultation
- laughing
- cheering
keen
3 of 3verb
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid Synonyms & Similar Words
- complain
- scream
- worry
- moan
- whine
- kick
- mutter
- grumble
- beef
- nag
- growl
- squeal
- bitch
- whinge
- bleat
- grouse
- inveigh
- squawk
- cry
- grizzle
- kick up a fuss
- holler
- carp
- yammer
- fuss
- kick up a stink
- grump
- whimper
- murmur
- gripe
- wail
- kvetch
- repine
- grouch
- bellyache
- crab
- caterwaul
- yowl
- maunder
- protest
- croak
- yawp
- quibble
- yaup
- cavil
- lament
- fret
- deplore
- sob
- bemoan
- bewail
- stew
- blubber
- object (to)
- quarrel (with)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- delight
- rejoice
- take
- accept
- tolerate
- bear
- endure
- commend
- applaud
- cheer
- countenance
- crow
2
as in to howl
to make a long loud mournful sound mourners keening for the victims of the bombing Synonyms & Similar Words
- howl
- scream
- shriek
- yell
- wail
- bay
- shrill
- squeal
- ululate
- yowl
- screech
- bawl
- yelp
- caterwaul
- squall
- yaup
- yawp
Synonym Chooser
The words acute and sharp are common synonyms of keen. While all three words mean "having or showing alert competence and clear understanding," keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind.
a keen observer of the political scene
The meanings of acute and keen largely overlap; however, acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination.
an acute sense of style
While the synonyms sharp and keen are close in meaning, sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness.
sharp enough to spot a confidence game