smarten

verb

smart·​en ˈsmär-tᵊn How to pronounce smarten (audio)
smartened; smartening ˈsmär-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce smarten (audio)
ˈsmärt-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make smart or smarter
especially : spruce
usually used with up

intransitive verb

: to smarten oneself
used with up

Examples of smarten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For footwear, the only way to dress and impress in formal summer weddings is via tuxedo shoes, and these monk straps in glossy leather finish will easily smarten you up while hitting the nail on dressy formal attire. Ted Stafford, Men's Health, 30 June 2023 Blazers can smarten up even the simplest of looks. Alice Cary, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2021 Starting November 27, smarten up your home with savings on the Google Nest Hub ($49.98, originally $89.98, walmart.com), which features a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and can do everything from tell you the weather to stream your favorite shows. Julianne Ross, CNN Underscored, 25 Nov. 2020 The iSmartgate Pro is a kit that will smarten up your existing garage door opener. Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 15 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for smarten 

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of smarten was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near smarten

Cite this Entry

“Smarten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smarten. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

smarten

verb
smart·​en ˈsmärt-ᵊn How to pronounce smarten (audio)
smartened; smartening ˈsmärt-niŋ How to pronounce smarten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make smart or smarter
especially : spruce, freshen
smartened themselves for the party
2
: to make or become more alert or informed
smarten up, before it's too late

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