straighten (out)

verb

Definition of straighten (out)next
as in to smooth

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten (out)
  1. smooth
  2. fray
  3. unwind
Verb
  • The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Both iterations are formulated with smoothing honey extract, strawberry, blueberry, and papaya extracts, plus milk proteins to fortify and condition strands.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • The long-staple cotton threads are less likely to fray or feel rough to the touch, helping the sheets maintain that smooth finish over time.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2026
  • More drones and missiles are slipping through both sides’ fraying air defenses, meaning that the civilian death toll has increased, and more critical infrastructure is being damaged.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of fray
Verb
  • When mortgage defaults started going up, the whole system began to unwind.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Now, at the behest of police and firefighter unions across California, state lawmakers are pushing through legislation to unwind parts of Brown’s changes.
    — Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwind
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

straightening (up or out)
straighten (out)
straightens
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straighten (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28out%29. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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