What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sharp
Example
Be careful with that knife, it's very sharp. [sharp: adjective]
Example
I felt a sharp pain in my back when I lifted the box. [sharp: adjective]
Example
The guitar produces a sharp sound when played correctly. [sharp: noun]
shrill
Example
The baby's cry was shrill and could be heard throughout the house. [shrill: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a shrill voice that made my ears hurt. [shrill: adjective]
Example
The fire alarm let out a shrill sound that startled everyone in the building. [shrill: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sharp is more commonly used than shrill in everyday language. Sharp is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shrill is more specific and often used to describe unpleasant sounds.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sharp and shrill?
Both sharp and shrill can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sharp is generally considered more formal due to its association with precision and accuracy.
