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
-
The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026 -
Tapascott said everything improves when weight drops, from acceleration to braking and efficiency.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Fears aired an alley-oop dunk to forward Carson Cooper on the next play, the first score of the second half, to trim Arkansas’ lead to 39-38.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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The key is to fold the scarf over itself to create volume and to look for a lace trim that leaves the hem frayed, so as not to look too formal.—
Arancha Gamo,
Glamour,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Dowdle had just rumbled into the end zone for his second touchdown of what was shaping up to be a great day.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The medical costs are shaping up to be significant.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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According to Blair, the two members on shift would often organize alternative sleeping rotas that left just one individual with a straightforward password and all the power.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The exhibit is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The agency’s authority to investigate stems from Senate Bill 553, which was amended to broaden the scope of employers, including law enforcement agencies, to maintain workplace violence prevention plans.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Lucas offered to amend the ordinance, removing the requirement for detention facilities, as well as for other facilities or buildings paid for with public safety sales tax money.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Warraich believes that this shift becomes clearer when looking at how autonomous systems behave inside complex environments.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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When the solution comes into contact with gold or palladium surfaces, the metals themselves behave as catalysts.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite his level-headedness, Mike is mightily discontent with the low-wattage gigs that are arranged for him by, of all people, his dentist (Fisher Stevens), who soon replaces that absent tooth.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His economy rate for the series is just over three, bettered only by Archer (of bowlers who’ve played three or more of the Tests) and would be appreciably less without that first innings in Perth.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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With a staggeringly large jackpot up for grabs the night before Christmas, people across the United States are looking for ways to better their odds at becoming a billionaire.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
23 Dec. 2025
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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 10 Jan. 2026.
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