spruce (up)

verb

ˈsprüs How to pronounce spruce (up) (audio)
Definition of spruce (up)next
as in to trim
to make neat hurriedly sprucing up the hotel dining room before the breakfast crowd began showing up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spruce (up)
  1. trim
  2. organize
  3. arrange
Verb
  • Even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are still sitting on a huge haul of future draft capital, had to start trimming their supporting cast this offseason because Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ max extensions kicked in.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The pate uses trim such as collars and tails, which are double smoked, much like classic barbecue burnt ends.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of trim
Verb
  • Players are responsible for organizing tables and groups; the Senior Center cannot arrange seating or table assignments.
    — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • According to the psychologist, people who organize their day this way are more likely to complete the tasks that matter most because the brain responds better to specific, achievable goals than to endless to-do lists.
    — Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Definition of organize
Verb
  • These icons—including symbols associated with hygiene, nature, science, sustainability, food, and culture—are arranged to form a large letter U, echoing the original corporate logo while also reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
  • According to the court judgment, the pair arranged for employees and associates to drive up bidding prices at auction, inducing the collector, identified under the pseudonym Li Pin, to purchase the items at inflated prices.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of arrange
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

spruces (up)
spruce (up)
sprucing
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Cite this Entry

“Spruce (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spruce%20%28up%29. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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