as in to trim
to make neat
neatened the living room in anticipation of company
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Recent Examples of neaten
For instance, your hedges may need regular trims to clean up and neaten their appearance and keep a consistent straight side.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
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, 22 Feb. 2026
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
-
Golden State trimmed the deficit to single digits early in the second half but quickly entered foul trouble, with Boston drawing five whistles in the first four minutes of the third quarter.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
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Leonard scored 12 of his points during that stint and the Clippers led by as many as 18 during the opening quarter before the Pelicans trimmed it to 40-26 on Murphy’s free throws.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Instead, the 46-year-old Los Angeles resident organized a vigil Tuesday night at a local park, where the photos of slain protesters were displayed and dozens of Iranian Americans lit candles and took turns hopping over tea lights in a version of a fire-jumping tradition known as Chaharshanbe Suri.—
AMY TAXIN,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
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In one of the film’s most poignant moments, the two organize a last-minute wedding ceremony on a rooftop at sunset, attended only by the couple, three friends and their dog.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Staff are happy to offer local recommendations for food, drink, hikes, and more, or to help arrange gear for a beach day or hike.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Rooms and suites are arranged to maximize views of the lush greenery outside.—
Kelsey Eisen,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neaten. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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