as in to trim
to make neat
neatened the living room in anticipation of company
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Recent Examples of neaten
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
Hydrangeas that only bloom on the current year's fresh, green growth (also referred to as new wood) should be neatened up or cut back in early spring, well before the arrival of summer.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 May 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, 3 June 2024
But trimmers do more than neaten up.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023
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
Hydrangeas that only bloom on the current year's fresh, green growth (also referred to as new wood) should be neatened up or cut back in early spring, well before the arrival of summer.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 May 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, 3 June 2024
But trimmers do more than neaten up.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neaten
Verb
-
Add trimmed and halved fresh green beans, and cook for 8 minutes.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
-
How dare this newcomer suggest that the towering maple between their properties be trimmed or cut down?—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Divide household items by category, organize them into appropriately sized containers, add labels, and stack them onto shelves in a closet or cabinet that is easily reachable.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Nov. 2025
-
This larger toiletry bag sports roomy, elastic mesh pockets that can help keep all your original pill bottles secure and organized for travel days.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The goal of the program, arranged through the hotel concierge, is to encourage discovery of the soul of an area through bold design, local culture, and meaningful connections.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Insofar as it is left to the invisible hand to arrange these matters, this scenario seems truly unavoidable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neaten. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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