straightened; straightening
ˈstrāt-niŋ 
ˈstrā-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make straight
—usually used with out
straightened out his legs
2
: to make neat or tidy
—usually used with up or out
straightened up the room
straightened out the papers
: to become straight
—usually used with up or out
stopped slouching and straightened up
The river curves and then straightens out.
straight·en·er
-t(ᵊ)nə(r)
plural -s
: one that straightens
a hair straightener
especially
: one whose work is straightening or making level by hand or by machine
Examples of straighten in a Sentence
Verb
He straightened the bent antenna.
The drooping flowers straightened in the rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026
To create a retro bob of your own, begin by combing out your hair, then straighten it, curling the ends inward.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
Ratajkowski's long brunette strands were straightened and styled in a middle part.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straighten
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Verb
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026
To create a retro bob of your own, begin by combing out your hair, then straighten it, curling the ends inward.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
Ratajkowski's long brunette strands were straightened and styled in a middle part.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straighten
Cite this Entry
“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straighten. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
straighten
verb
straight·en
ˈstrāt-ᵊn
straightened; straightening
ˈstrāt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become straight
—usually used with up or out
straighten up a room
straightened out the problem
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