spruce 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sprucenext
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance a slim, spruce man in a tailor-made business suit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spruce

2 of 2

verb

as in to trick

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spruce
Verb
According to Bauhus’s research, climate change has rendered the Black Forest largely uninhabitable to spruce. — Kendra Atleework, Longreads, 12 Mar. 2026 Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. — ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 Something always needs stabilizing, fixing or sprucing in a 174-year-old building. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026 Gallagher spent the first week of December sprucing it up, artfully decorating Christmas trees and doing her best to spread holiday cheer to the house's 150 families. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spruce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spruce
  1. elegant
  2. trick
  3. smart
  4. improve
  5. stylish
  6. embellish
  7. fashionable
  8. doll up
Adjective
  • Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Queen size bed feels huge, there's plenty of light, sumptuous extra seating and an overall elegant Georgian style feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Verb
  • In many cases, the robot tail wags the living dog by tricking it—tricking us—into caring about obscure metrics, then gamifying the process of improving them.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Children were taken by tricking mothers, who were told their baby had died during childbirth.
    — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Adjective
  • But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But getting there wasn’t just about making smart product decisions.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of smart
Verb
  • Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Kia's base model can feel a bit barebones, but upper trims feature plenty of creature comforts and tech enhancements that improve its driving and ownership experience.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, stylish couples from Tokyo were arriving for a ski weekend in late May.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Verb
  • This week, the retailer shared an Instagram video showing a woman applying a Biodance face mask before embellishing the product with colorful plastic gems.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Madison Avenue shops will soon be embellished with a different look — sketches and designs by CFDA student scholarship winners.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of embellish
Adjective
  • From Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka to Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, the biggest stars in tennis traded their on-court kits for some highly fashionable attire.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Packed to the rafters with fashionable Western clothing and accessories, Maverick Fine Western Wear is a must-stop shop in the heart of the Stockyards.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Verb
  • Hanging out was one thing, but the group also wanted to doll up the Potter franchise’s Ron Weasley.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026
  • And Millie Bobby Brown echoed a similar sentiment on her story, sharing Hottle's memorable shot holding a handmade King Kong doll up to the giant ape.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of doll up

Phrases Containing spruce

Browse Nearby Words

sprouts
spruce
spruced
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Cite this Entry

“Spruce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spruce. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spruce

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spruce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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