sweeten up

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
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.
Venus in Cancer is here to make memories, sweetening up your ninth house of travel and long-distance relationships. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026 In this version, both the crust and the topping are sweetened up with powdered sugar. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 May 2026 Pale pink polka dots and alternating base colors sweeten up latte-brown French tips. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sweeten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeten%20up. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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