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
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
The wireless gadget uses flexing copper plates that conform to the shape of your hair, straightening it quickly with minimal heat exposure.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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
The wireless gadget uses flexing copper plates that conform to the shape of your hair, straightening it quickly with minimal heat exposure.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening
unwinding
Verb
-
Airlines are taking their time unwinding the current consumer regulations.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Larry is happy to spend his days snoozing and unwinding at home.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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