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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The law also updates the definition of infertility to be more inclusive and aims to improve access to fertility care for everyone — including members of the LGBTQ+ community.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025 -
Some have also taken the opportunity to caution that both the Israeli and UK governments need to do more to end the killing in Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Some might have trimmed guest lists — not for space, but to cut the grocery bill.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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The hue of your walls, trim, and ceiling can either clash or complement your upholstery, drapery, and art.—
Tessa Cooper,
Southern Living,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The layoffs extend what is shaping up as a rough 2025 for the tech industry in the Bay Area.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
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That trade is likely just the beginning of what's shaping up to be a wild few weeks — and things could really kick off tonight during the first round of the NBA Draft.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Verb
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In statements announcing the organizing push, party leaders reiterated the focus on cuts to healthcare and tax breaks to the wealthy.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
30 June 2025
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Try MyRecipes, our digital recipe box to stash and organize all your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Answer: There is no cash award large enough to amend for the harm done to the people wrongfully incarcerated, their families and their communities.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
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Wilson said amending the city’s sign ordinance to allow digital billboards could also open San Diego up legally to other types of advertising the city has prohibited.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Verb
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An aside: phosphorylation is when a tiny chemical group called a phosphate is added to a protein, such as tau, which is like adding a switch to change how the protein behaves.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 June 2025
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Yet, but Buyers Are Gaining Power For Hale, the recent shifts in the U.S. housing market signals that the country is moving in favor of buyers—and under certain aspects is already behaving more like a buyer's market than a seller's one.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
Verb
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According to El País, Leyva traveled to the U.S. in April and tried to arrange meetings with high-profile Republicans including Florida U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
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Similar to a puzzle, the goal is for kids to arrange the strings in a way that fits within the board’s pattern.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Brazilian dystopian series 3% is another show that follows people who are struggling financially and enter a competition to better their lives.—
Skyler Trepel,
People.com,
30 June 2025
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Kate Hudson considered being emancipated from her parents, Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, to better her Hollywood career.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 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 9 Jul. 2025.
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