smartening (up)

present participle of smarten (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smartening (up)
Verb
  • The small reception desk seems tight on space, but most employees are out in the lobby welcoming guests, straightening pillows in the waterfront lounge, and primping the magnificent flower arrangements anyway.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Plus, check out the rest of her hair primping routine and some more on-sale options to shop during the retailer's Big Spring Sale below.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • From all sides, the contours of the original house remained visible through the metal—the architectural equivalent of one of Vermeer’s milkmaids dressing up as a robot.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Some of these garnishes are also dressing up orange wine, a trending summer beverage.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 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 (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smartening%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Jun. 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