neatened; neatening
ˈnēt-niŋ 
ˈnē-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to set in order : make neat
2
: to finish (something, such as a piece of sewing) carefully
Synonyms
Examples of neaten in a Sentence
I am trying to neaten my desk.
neatened the living room in anticipation of company
Recent Examples on the Web
When the grout has hardened slightly, use a grout shaper or your finger to neaten up the joints.
—
The Editors Of House Beautiful, House Beautiful, 10 Aug. 2021
But trimmers do more than neaten up.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023
Cut ends to neaten up.
—Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2022
Few things neaten a naturalistic garden like fresh edging around beds.
—Monica Cardoza, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023
Speaking of space, keep scrolling to see a few helpful products that can quickly neaten your beauty station.
—Essence, 7 Oct. 2021
Clean Furniture Fabric Go through the house and strip and remake beds; neaten any pillows or furniture blankets.
—Christy Piña, Woman's Day, 27 Jan. 2021
By the morning of the breakfast, the farm had been neatened.
—Julie Bosman, BostonGlobe.com, 22 June 2019
See More
The Editors Of House Beautiful, House Beautiful, 10 Aug. 2021
But trimmers do more than neaten up.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023
Cut ends to neaten up.
—Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2022
Few things neaten a naturalistic garden like fresh edging around beds.
—Monica Cardoza, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023
Speaking of space, keep scrolling to see a few helpful products that can quickly neaten your beauty station.
—Essence, 7 Oct. 2021
Clean Furniture Fabric Go through the house and strip and remake beds; neaten any pillows or furniture blankets.
—Christy Piña, Woman's Day, 27 Jan. 2021
By the morning of the breakfast, the farm had been neatened.
—Julie Bosman, BostonGlobe.com, 22 June 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neaten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near neaten
Cite this Entry
“Neaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neaten. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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