smarten (up)

verb

Definition of smarten (up)next
as in to primp

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarten (up)
  1. primp
  2. doll up
  3. preen
  4. dress up
Verb
  • Hair that has never looked more posh or perfectly primped—I’m officially hooked.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 28 July 2026
  • Troye Sivan arrives primped for the Prada dinner during Milan Fashion Week on June 21.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Definition of primp
Verb
  • And Millie Bobby Brown echoed a similar sentiment on her story, sharing Hottle's memorable shot holding a handmade King Kong doll up to the giant ape.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 22 July 2026
  • Looking to doll up your collarbones instead?
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of doll up
Verb
  • Trump has already accepted a set of Olympic medals from LA 28 chair Casey Wasserman and will preen as a man of consequence for the world when the Games come to Los Angeles in two years.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Observe black cockatoos preen in the drooping she-oaks, or marvel at the Dali-esque outback, filled with its skeletal mallee trees.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
Definition of preen
Verb
  • If pleated slack shorts feel a little too dressed up for your everyday, opt for this comfy linen pull-on pair.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Roberts is far from alone in dressing up the denim — Jessica Alba and Oprah have, too.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of dress up
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.

Browse Nearby Words

smartens (up)
smarten (up)
smarties
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Cite this Entry

“Smarten (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarten%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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