The term 'spruces up' can be broken down into six different crossword solutions: SMARTENS (8 letters), EDITS (5 letters), PREENS (6 letters), TIDIES (6 letters), CLEANS (6 letters), and NEATENS (7 letters). Each of these words refers to an action that can be taken to improve the appearance of something. Smartening involves making something look more attractive or stylish, editing involves making changes to improve the quality of something, preening involves grooming oneself or something else, tidying involves organizing something, cleaning involves removing dirt or grime, and neatening involves making something look orderly and well-kept. All of these actions can be taken to spruce up something, making it look better than before.