as in to trim
to make neat
neatened the living room in anticipation of company
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Recent Examples of neaten
Lightly cut them back by one-third to remove dead or damaged foliage, encourage new growth, and neaten their appearance if needed.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Several people milled around, neatening the area, touching up Cage’s makeup.
—Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
To neaten up the drawer, use clear or white plastic magazine or file holders nestled side by side to hold boxes and packages of frozen foods.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Use a curl-specific hair gel to neaten and smooth each side, applying a small amount down each section to be twisted.
—Dory Zayas, Parents, 26 July 2024
Fringes usually require neatening up every two to three weeks, and helpfully, many hairdressers offer free fringe trims in between salon visits.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 31 May 2024
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Several people milled around, neatening the area, touching up Cage’s makeup.
—Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
To neaten up the drawer, use clear or white plastic magazine or file holders nestled side by side to hold boxes and packages of frozen foods.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Use a curl-specific hair gel to neaten and smooth each side, applying a small amount down each section to be twisted.
—Dory Zayas, Parents, 26 July 2024
Fringes usually require neatening up every two to three weeks, and helpfully, many hairdressers offer free fringe trims in between salon visits.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 31 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neaten
Verb
-
Kondrat suggests trimming off the rotten, mushy tissue and letting the plant and soil dry out for 2 weeks or so.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Adhere to Best Practices When Cutting As with trimming the branches of trees that overhang your property, make your cuts with an eye to the health of the bush.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This coalition was built through years of organizing, through mosque networks, through labor unions, through the economic leverage of the bazaar.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Want more cleaning and organizing tips?—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Two years later, his son having attained A levels in English, maths and sciences, Ramírez’s father flew to Europe to arrange for his further education.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Her first such patient was unable to arrange an in-person office visit.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neaten. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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