smartening

Definition of smarteningnext
present participle of smarten
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smartening
Verb
  • The afternoon was brightening, the sun preparing to come through.
    Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
  • Blurring pores and fine lines is desirable, but this primer has color-correcting properties that take it one step further — covering redness, brightening dark undereyes, and creating an overall healthy-looking complexion.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 May 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
  • Even children will have perfectly tied bandanas adorning their necks.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
  • She can be seen holding a bouquet of white blooms that complement the flowers adorning her romantic hairstyle.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Yet scientists realized that something has been dissolving those calcite shells and releasing carbon dioxide, reducing the ocean’s carbon-trapping capacity.
    Damien Pine, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
  • Quince's Lightweight European Linen Box Quilt features a front woven from 100% European flax, a backing of soft cotton, and a lightweight cotton batting fill that adds just enough comfort without trapping heat.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Decoration Day was first observed as a national holiday, honoring those who had died in military service during the Civil War, often by decorating their graves with flowers.
    USA Today, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • In 1953, Angel’s brother Juan opened a burger-and-ice cream stand called the Snow Cap Drive-In, using recycled lumber and decorating every surface with bright colors and jokes.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smartening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smartening. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster