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.
Examples of straighten in a Sentence
He straightened the bent antenna.
The drooping flowers straightened in the rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Elna reached up and straightened the frame, setting it even on the nail.
—
Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025
The oval brush is best for loose, smooth waves and taming frizz, while the paddle brush has a mixture of both nylon and boar bristles to dry and straighten your hair at the same time for a soft, sleek finish.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
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, 6 Dec. 2025
Frank gets more impatient as the movie goes on, convinced that military school might straighten Greg out.
—Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straighten
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Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025
The oval brush is best for loose, smooth waves and taming frizz, while the paddle brush has a mixture of both nylon and boar bristles to dry and straighten your hair at the same time for a soft, sleek finish.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
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, 6 Dec. 2025
Frank gets more impatient as the movie goes on, convinced that military school might straighten Greg out.
—Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straighten
Cite this Entry
“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straighten. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
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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