smartening

Definition of smarteningnext
present participle of smarten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smartening
Verb
  • Gerdes loves to work silver foliage plants like dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) into containers, their light, shimmery leaves brightening up the garden.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Chicken and rice is a satisfying choice for brightening anyone's day.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Bermuda Blue Citrus was available in unique cleaning, laundry, and air-freshening items, including a fragrance booster, laundry detergent sheets, fabric softener dryer sheets, an essential oil refill, and a solid air freshener gel.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025
  • After all, gum is the ultimate multitasker – freshening breath, calming nerves and even sharpening focus.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These low-growing plants perform important environmental services while beautifying the garden year-round.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
  • Davis said he has also been involved in beautifying Altadena during its recovery.
    Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Also adorning the topper are 2,867 other diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls, according to the Royal Collection Trust.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Local Los Angeles landmark Vasquez Rocks feature prominently at the back of the float, paying homage to its role as a frequent Star Trek filming location, with interactive transporters adorning the center of the float.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If those steps don’t work, Kellum said other options might include trapping and potentially using nonlethal projectiles, such as paint balls, to chase away, haze and deter them.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
  • Skies clear out Tuesday night and, without the blanket of heat-trapping clouds, temperatures will drop even more by Wednesday morning, with lows near freezing.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • For me, decorating is self-care.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The rise of this trend for the 2025 holiday season seems in line with this year’s general propensity for bringing back classic and retro themes for hosting and decorating, starting with winter fondue parties and landing us in a cozy plaid Christmas.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
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

Cite this Entry

“Smartening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smartening. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!