smarten

American  

[smahr-tn] / ˈsmɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

1. to make more trim or spruce; improve in appearance (usually followed byup ).

   Try to smarten up your outfit.

2. to make brisker, as a pace.

3. to sharpen the judgment or broaden the experience of; educate (usually followed byup ).

   Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.

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verb phrase

1. smarten up

   1. to groom oneself.

      to smarten up before dinner.

   2. to become aware of one's mistakes, shortcomings, etc., and make efforts to correct them.

      If you don't smarten up, you're going to be out of a job.

smarten British  

/ ˈsmɑːtən /

verb

1. (intr) to make oneself neater

2. (tr) to make quicker or livelier

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Etymology

Origin of smarten

First recorded in 1805–15; smart + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Could have the game for Australia, but needs to smarten up.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

“They’re just so good on the power play. So let’s just smarten up in that area.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2024

“I would like to see people smarten up so that we don’t have to have a mandate in the first place,” she said.

From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2021

Next, smarten the grid by updating technology to increase the network’s flexibility and responsiveness.

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2021

It don’t take long to smarten up, does it?”

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds