as in uncurling
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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Recent Examples of straightening
Relax the tail by straightening it out.
—
Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Corry said, demonstrating the command of her muscles by flexing and straightening her knees in a quick dip.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Why spend hours straightening and perfecting when this wig comes ready-made for that polished, effortless vibe?
—Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025
At most, the phone slightly bends before straightening back.
—Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Start by straightening your legs and extending your arms forward if this feels comfortable.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Se-ri comes up with a plan to get an expensive hair straightening treatment that involves helping out a transfer student from Seoul, named Han Yun-Seok (Gong Myung).
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024
Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Corry said, demonstrating the command of her muscles by flexing and straightening her knees in a quick dip.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Why spend hours straightening and perfecting when this wig comes ready-made for that polished, effortless vibe?
—Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025
At most, the phone slightly bends before straightening back.
—Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Start by straightening your legs and extending your arms forward if this feels comfortable.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Se-ri comes up with a plan to get an expensive hair straightening treatment that involves helping out a transfer student from Seoul, named Han Yun-Seok (Gong Myung).
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening
unwinding
Verb
-
With the cooler temperatures of fall rolling in, there's nothing like spending an evening on your porch, unwinding with a refreshing glass of sweet tea, and relishing the sights and sounds of the autumn foliage once again.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The padded headboard is perfect for reading or unwinding, and the wood slat base provides sturdy support without a box spring.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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