STRAIGHTEN UP OR OUT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

straighten (up or out)

verb

Definition of straighten (up or out)

as in to improve

to change one's behavior or character for the better I hope that rehab will help her straighten up for good

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten (up or out)

Verb

Lawmakers have introduced bills to strengthen prevention programs, improve behavioral health services, regulate sober living environments and give local governments additional tools to respond to homelessness.

— Ray Bramson, Washington Post, 15 July 2026
Chen’s work focuses on using seismological data to improve methods to identify and monitor nuclear tests.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of improve

Verb

Even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are still sitting on a huge haul of future draft capital, had to start trimming their supporting cast this offseason because Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ max extensions kicked in.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The pate uses trim such as collars and tails, which are double smoked, much like classic barbecue burnt ends.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of trim

Verb

Players are responsible for organizing tables and groups; the Senior Center cannot arrange seating or table assignments.

— Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
According to the psychologist, people who organize their day this way are more likely to complete the tasks that matter most because the brain responds better to specific, achievable goals than to endless to-do lists.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026

Definition of organize

Verb

Gomez was referring to a 2004 vote in which Congress amended the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the FCC to enforce a cap of 39 percent.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Flush Away Excess Fertilizer Hydrangeas thrive in nutrient-rich soil amended by compost or other organic matter.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

Definition of amend

Verb

These icons—including symbols associated with hygiene, nature, science, sustainability, food, and culture—are arranged to form a large letter U, echoing the original corporate logo while also reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
According to the court judgment, the pair arranged for employees and associates to drive up bidding prices at auction, inducing the collector, identified under the pseudonym Li Pin, to purchase the items at inflated prices.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

This left open the question of whether more complex, loopy geometries would behave differently, while also leaving competing historical theories yet to be disproved.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Equally noteworthy, but far less known, is the resort’s firm policy on how to handle guests behaving badly.

— Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Definition of behave

Verb

Defensively, France has also only conceded twice so far – a record bettered only by Spain which has let in one goal.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Workplace Pell expands long-standing education aid to cover shorter term programs that reflect changing demographics and job demands – as well as Americans' desire to better themselves.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Definition of better

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

straighten (up)

straighten (up or out)

straight-faced

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“Straighten (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of straighten (up or out)

verb

Example Sentences

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