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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
  • Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead, our favorite formulas help smooth things over—whatever’s behind the bumps.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • The companies on this year's list are tackling problems that range from rising energy demand to fraying supply chains.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For two years, tension over the case has frayed allegiances in Dearborn.
    — Glenn Rice, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of fray
Verb
  • Can liberal reformers unwind authoritarian state capture without, themselves, engaging in at least a little bit of illiberalism?
    — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers said the findings could provide a better understanding of how birds shape our environment — and eventually help inform the design of parks, urban green spaces and other places where people go to unwind.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Straighten (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28out%29. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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