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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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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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
The Food and Drug Administration was expected to decide in April 2024 whether to ban formaldehyde in hair straightening products, but that decision continues to be delayed. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025 And unlike public boards, there is hardly a shareholder vote to straighten things out. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 She’s also known for keeping her brothers Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 7 in line during official events — whispering reminders, straightening postures and nudging them at the right moments. Monique Jessen, People.com, 8 May 2025 So with all this uncertainty, readers have the opportunity to reflect on what went wrong in 2024-25 and how the Bruins can straighten things out. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 28 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 29 May. 2025.

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