neaten

American  

[neet-n] / ˈnit n /

verb (used with object)

1. to make neat.

   a day spent neatening the kitchen shelves.

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neaten British  

/ ˈniːtən /

verb

1. (tr) to make neat; tidy

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Etymology

Origin of neaten

First recorded in 1895–1900; neat ¹ + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Few things neaten a naturalistic garden like fresh edging around beds.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2023

I would neaten myself up and tell them I could work whatever hours they wanted.

From The Guardian • Feb. 27, 2013

They fundamentally try to neaten things up and make it look more rational than it is.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2012

Many of these trees, typically 100 years old or more according to Australia’s DEC, have been lost to logging or development, or to people trying to neaten up their properties.

From Scientific American • Mar. 13, 2012

I balance the tray in one hand and sweep up the spoon, taking a moment to neaten the crockery before approaching the door.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir