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

"They can fix it," one Whitehall source says, but "they have to realise they have caused it and smarten up how they make decisions".

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

Amazon’s orb-like Echo Dot is one of the most affordable ways to smarten up your home, and it’s now cheaper than ever before.

From The Verge • Apr. 25, 2022

“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

Pretty soon they smarten up, and Blade says, "Smaller rocks! Get me smaller rocks!" and I know in my heart we're doomed.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick