straighten 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of straighten
Verb
This undoubtedly plays a role in why so many Black women feel pressure to straighten their hair especially before significant life events like weddings, graduations and job interviews. Tayler Adigun, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025 For me, perhaps most tellingly, my straightening ritual had become a form of security. Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025 Sasaki tweaked his delivery during a bullpen session more than a week ago — aligning his back leg and shoulder to better emphasize his extreme leg kick and straighten his direction to the plate — and found a way to throw fastballs consistently over the plate. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Winning brings a feeling of pride that straightens the back and widens the stride. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for straighten

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Cite this Entry

“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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