smarten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

“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

It’s also a self-protective reflex in the workplace: there’s vindication in seeing a boss who’s always telling others to smarten up wearing her sweater inside-out.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2018

Of course that goes for Billie Dawn, the ex-showgirl who bubbles along on Brock’s arm without a care in her head until Brock hires Verrall to smarten her up.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2018

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

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds