sweeten up
phrasal verb
sweetened up; sweetening up; sweetens up
informal
: to be very nice to (someone) in order to get something
He's been trying to sweeten his mother up so she'll lend him the car.
Examples of sweeten up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Romantic connections will sweeten up by April 30 regardless, as your amorous ruler Venus finally flutters back into your relationship sector, softening your heart to the healing magic of love.
—
Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
This local bakery is the place to go for a grab-and-go meal that can easily be toted to the beach, or for a decadent dessert to sweeten up your day.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Venus enters Sagittarius that same day, sweetening up your 10th house of authority, career and public persona.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024
This pretty purple drink had a string hibiscus flavor that was sweetened up by fresh lemon juice, topped with a violet orchid.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2024
The Girl Scouts and IHOP are sweetening up the month of March.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024
These pastel desserts will sweeten up any Easter celebration.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2024
And just in time to sweeten up the winter season, the latest look is taking over—meet cherry mocha.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2024
Kim Kardashian is ready to sweeten up your V-Day look with her sexiest, most erotic — and possibly her yummiest — design yet.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024
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Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
This local bakery is the place to go for a grab-and-go meal that can easily be toted to the beach, or for a decadent dessert to sweeten up your day.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Venus enters Sagittarius that same day, sweetening up your 10th house of authority, career and public persona.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024
This pretty purple drink had a string hibiscus flavor that was sweetened up by fresh lemon juice, topped with a violet orchid.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2024
The Girl Scouts and IHOP are sweetening up the month of March.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024
These pastel desserts will sweeten up any Easter celebration.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2024
And just in time to sweeten up the winter season, the latest look is taking over—meet cherry mocha.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2024
Kim Kardashian is ready to sweeten up your V-Day look with her sexiest, most erotic — and possibly her yummiest — design yet.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sweeten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeten%20up. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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