sprucing up

VERB

make neat, well-groomed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dress up fix up primp tidy

WEAK

brush deck out groom prim sleek slick smarten titivate wash

Antonyms

STRONGEST

uglify

WEAK

dirty mess up

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.

Walmart is sprucing up its home goods to attract more high-income shoppers and better compete with the e-commerce titan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

The firm also started sprucing up shops with inviting armchairs, new paint and ceramic mugs - all part of a $150,000-per-store "uplift" that is expected to take four years to complete.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

He announced that the company would be focusing on sprucing up its existing stores rather than building new locations.

From Slate • Dec. 22, 2025

Minister Chung said North Koreans have been spotted "sprucing up" areas near the JSA for the first time this year -- cleaning, pulling weeds, tidying flower beds and taking photos.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

“Is that bad? Maybe they’re downsizing. Or redecorating. My dad says knowing what to throw away is the single most important thing about sprucing up your home.”

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead