1
2
as in to trim
to make neat
a directive for everyone to straighten up their cubicle in preparation for a visit from some corporate VIPs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten (up or out)
Verb
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Approach improves transparency and trust in autonomous systems Similar to the flight data recorders used in aircraft, the system continuously logs information about the drone’s performance.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026 -
Any efforts to improve your living space may need to be run by other people, like a roommate or landlord.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though the system managed only a dim glow, Lorna was still grateful for the flick of a switch rather than the toil of refilling oil lamps and trimming candles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Looking like an early aughts version of her mom, the model posed for a watery photo shoot in a sleeveless chiffon shift dress, as well as a a gauzy white sundress with spaghetti straps and lace trim.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Add pro sports, craft beer, food halls, and mangrove paddling nearby, and Tampa shapes up as a dynamic weekend getaway.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
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The year is still young, but 2026 is already shaping up as a memorable one for jazz in San Diego with a record number of spring concerts in store.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The garden workspace offers ample room to plant seedlings, mix soil, and organize tools with its flat work surface, drawer, hooks, and shelf.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
-
LaFayette was one of a delegation of Nashville students who in 1960 had helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized desegregation and voting rights campaigns across the South.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Those changes include amending the contract for unionized laborers to have them all under the public works umbrella, with some assigned to the street department and some to the parks department.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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Some members of Congress want to amend the SBA to include college sports, in hopes that this would allow colleges and conferences to more efficiently market media rights and generate more revenue to fund women’s and Olympic sports.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The motion of stars near the celestial poles differs from how Orion and other constellations behave.—
Vahe Peroomian,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
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Amorphous yet crystal strong The result was a configuration that remained completely disordered but behaved mechanically like a crystal.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The partnership formed only after Wimbledon, arranged through Tien’s agent, despite the two having lived in the same Southern California tennis orbit for years without ever meeting.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Brick villas arranged in clusters have rooms in browns and creams; most come with balconies facing the Red Sea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Vanderbilt has noticed strides the 21-year-old Thiero, who has played in 17 NBA games this season, has taken to better his game.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
2 Mar. 2026
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Players like Buzelis and Giddey brush this off, emphasizing their commitment toward bettering the team through the final weeks of the season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Straighten (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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