spruce 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sprucenext
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance a slim, spruce man in a tailor-made business suit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spruce

2 of 2

verb

as in to trick

Related Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spruce
Verb
According to Bauhus’s research, climate change has rendered the Black Forest largely uninhabitable to spruce. — Kendra Atleework, Longreads, 12 Mar. 2026 Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. — ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 Something always needs stabilizing, fixing or sprucing in a 174-year-old building. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026 Gallagher spent the first week of December sprucing it up, artfully decorating Christmas trees and doing her best to spread holiday cheer to the house's 150 families. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spruce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spruce
  1. elegant
  2. trick
  3. smart
  4. improve
  5. stylish
  6. embellish
  7. fashionable
  8. doll up
Adjective
  • Her presence helps define the smart way Little Fish positions itself along the borderlines of casual and fancy, quirky and elegant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of elegant
Verb
  • These fraudulent sites often mimic legitimate stores or rank high in search results, tricking desperate consumers into buying non-existent AC units.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The revenge story saw Tucker's exes convincing Snow's Kate to trick the ladies' man into falling in love with her.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of trick
Adjective
  • Like its existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley smart glasses lines, the new designs are developed with EssilorLuxxottica — the group that also owns Prada eyewear, rumored to be Meta’s next collaborator.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 7 July 2026
  • Recreating the look is easy at Quince, where smart trousers and shirts are available in similar colors and materials that channel the same laid-back aesthetic.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of smart
Verb
  • Many people prefer whole-wheat pasta to increase their fiber intake, support digestive and heart health, and improve the overall nutrient quality of their diet, rather than focusing primarily on protein.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026
  • However, his office says the former Senate majority leader's health is improving.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Even a 73-year-old shopper was impressed by its stylish, comfortable fit.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • The culotte-style stretchy shorts are equal parts comfortable and stylish, and the high-neck top can be worn either tucked-in or down and loose.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of stylish
Verb
  • In a competitive job market, appearing behind can feel riskier than embellishing skills.
    — Susan Jacobson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The water element was evident in brand’s soft blue washes and liquid-like finishes and denim pieces embellished with cowrie shells.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
Definition of embellish
Adjective
  • Queen was known for her great eye and her ability to discern what was original and fashionable.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • One of them, the Piscine Deligny, became one of the city’s most fashionable spots, eventually hosting swimming events for the 1900 Paris Olympics.
    — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of fashionable
Verb
  • Looking to doll up your collarbones instead?
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The store had to be closed for several days while volunteers set the dolls up for display, and only 25 shoppers could be allowed in at a time for viewing because of the dolls’ values.
    — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
Definition of doll up

Phrases Containing spruce

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sprouts
spruce
spruced
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Cite this Entry

“Spruce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spruce. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spruce

Nglish: Translation of spruce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spruce

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