as in to trim
to make neat
neatened the living room in anticipation of company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of neaten
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
Cut ends to neaten up.
—Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2022
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
Cut ends to neaten up.
—Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neaten
Verb
-
Control expenses This means trimming or eliminating the costs that don’t directly impact growth, profitability, or long-term sustainability of your business.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
To save money in 2026, MetroConnect will drop some low-ridership zones, trim operating hours and impose a three-mile cap on trips, said Natalia Jaramillo, communications director for Levine Cava.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Zhmo Canvas Tote Bag Finding a work bag that checks every box—fits your laptop, holds your lunch and water bottle, keeps things organized, and still looks stylish—is no small feat.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
-
This became clear from talking—between watching sail races—to those involved with organizing a Rolex SailGP event in France.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That could delay clarity on how Sullivan will arrange his D pairs.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
18 Sep. 2025
-
That’s the 20th century approach, before everybody had a mobile app that can arrange rides, give instructions and track locations.—
Brad Templeton,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neaten. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share