1 C1 informal
To make something or somewhere more pleasant, attractive, or comfortable.
"A few flowers would really nicen up this corner of the office."
separable
nicen up
C1 informal separable transitive
Informal, chiefly British expression meaning to make something or someone more pleasant, attractive, or agreeable.
In plain English
To make something look or feel nicer.
What does "nicen up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something nicer — fully transparent.
Actually means
To make something look or feel nicer.
Usage tip
Informal and non-standard. 'Nicen' is not a widely accepted standard verb, so this phrasal verb sounds colloquial and regional (mainly British). Not recommended for formal writing.
Words that pair with "nicen up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
place room garden yourself atmosphere
How to conjugate "nicen up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nicen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nicens up
he/she/it
Past simple
nicened up
yesterday
Past participle
nicened up
have + pp
-ing form
nicening up
continuous
Hear "nicen up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nicen up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "nicen up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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