smartening

Definition of smarteningnext
present participle of smarten
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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smartening
Verb
  • This effort will focus on the galactic bulge, where star density is much higher, and will take advantage of the fact that a planet can act as a small gravitational lens, briefly brightening any background stars that pass between it and Earth.
    JOHN TIMMER, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Her mother, Lianna Charles Moore, previously described her daughters as always laughing, smiling and brightening her family's day.
    Christina Fan, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The company says the new fiber-detergent tiles feature a half-dozen layers of concentrated cleaning ingredients that activate in cold water to battle stains and odors while also freshening and brightening fabrics—all in one product.
    Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Health aside, an air purifier can also make your space smell better by eliminating cooking smells and freshening the air, all while subtly boosting your design scheme, like the sleek and powerful Coway Airmega that’s our top overall pick.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Officials dreamed of a futuristic span serving people crossing from Sacramento’s burgeoning Railyards development and beautifying a riverfront.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Besides physically climbing over surfaces, cucumbers have moved globally—not by means of their coiling tendrils, but rather by becoming a commodity known for its refreshing and beautifying uses.
    Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But those are, in the rearview, mere filigree adorning the few tender years in which Richie retained absolute authorship of love’s true rapture.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • These are clutter-free spaces, cool and calming with occasional nods to Moroccan heritage in the form of black-and-white photography of Rabat’s heritage sites in the rooms, and handmade plates adorning walls in the corridors.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Artificial lights disrupt this carefully tuned internal navigation system, throwing birds off their path and even trapping them in bright beams.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Porte + Hall’s durable, dirt-trapping entryway rug.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As a bonus, hikers can sneak a peek at the mini-mansions nestled in the hills and take in the desert-chic flora and fauna decorating the trail.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The thrift store can be a treasure trove of gorgeous pieces of artwork, perfect for decorating your living room walls.
    Nina Derwin, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Smartening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smartening. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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