Synonyms of straighten

straighten 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈstrā-tᵊn 

as in to unbend

to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls

straighten that extension cord—it should be just long enough to reach the wall outlet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unbend
• uncurl
• unkink
• unwind
• uncoil
• unroll
• untwist
• disentangle
• untangle
• untwine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• curve
• bend
• curl
• bend
• arc
• round
• bow
• turn
• hook
• crook
• twist
• loop
• swirl
• twine
• wind
• kink
• entwine
• spiral
• coil

straighten (up or out)

2 of 2

verb (2)

1

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• improve
• shape up
• amend
• behave
• better
• clean up one's act
• reform
• regenerate
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regress
• backslide

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

• trim
• organize
• redd (up or out)
• arrange
• spruce (up)
• tidy (up)
• pick up
• dispose
• draw up
• classify
• neaten
• order
• array
• range
• codify
• systematize
• marshal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mix (up)
• disrupt
• upset
• disturb
• disarray
• tumble
• shuffle
• muddle
• mess (up)
• disorganize
• scramble
• disarrange
• disorder
• jumble
• muss
• tousle
• discompose
• rumple
• dishevel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of straighten

Verb

Then, slowly straighten your arms to lower your body to the starting position. —Jenessa Connor, Health, 1 Nov. 2025

Stay still, gently rock side to side, or alternate straightening each leg. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, Kardashian’s hair was slicked and tied into a bun in the back of her head, with a small section straightened and left out on the right. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025

According to the brand, the actor was looking for a clean and sustainable way to revive her curls after straightening, dyeing and damaging her hair for roles. —Elizabeth Denton, StyleCaster, 17 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing straighten

• straighten (up or out)