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
• marshall

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

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

Phrases Containing straighten

• straighten (up or out)