smarten

verb

smart·​en ˈsmär-tᵊn How to pronounce smarten (audio)
smartened; smartening ˈsmär-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce smarten (audio)
ˈsmärt-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make smart or smarter
especially : spruce
usually used with up

intransitive verb

: to smarten oneself
used with up

Examples of smarten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For footwear, the only way to dress and impress in formal summer weddings is via tuxedo shoes, and these monk straps in glossy leather finish will easily smarten you up while hitting the nail on dressy formal attire. Ted Stafford, Men's Health, 30 June 2023 The iSmartgate Pro is a kit that will smarten up your existing garage door opener. Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 15 Nov. 2022 The subtle, pink-hued elixir is housed inside a handsome chiseled glass bottle that is sure to smarten up any home bar. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 July 2022 Blazers can smarten up even the simplest of looks. Alice Cary, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2021 See All Example Sentences for smarten

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of smarten was in 1782

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smarten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smarten. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

smarten

verb
smart·​en ˈsmärt-ᵊn How to pronounce smarten (audio)
smartened; smartening ˈsmärt-niŋ How to pronounce smarten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make smart or smarter
especially : spruce, freshen
smartened themselves for the party
2
: to make or become more alert or informed
smarten up, before it's too late

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