1
as in shaping up
to change one's behavior or character for the better
I hope that rehab will help her straighten up for good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in trimming
to make neat
a directive for everyone to straighten up their cubicle in preparation for a visit from some corporate VIPs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (up or out)
Verb
-
Crescent bangs are shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest fringe trends, with iterations ranging from micro fringe to long, collarbone-grazing layers.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
26 Feb. 2026 -
This February is shaping up to be one of the warmest on record.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But these rotations can be brutal, and trimming positions gives us the flexibility and the cash to step back in and repurchase shares at more attractive levels in the future.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The change will be implemented gradually, trimming two hours per year beginning in 2027 and reaching a 40-hour work week in 2030.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The upsurge in violence after Oseguera Cervantes’ killing occurs as some indicators in Mexico’s security situation seemed to be improving.—
Angélica Durán-Martínez,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Jones will be a critical figure in improving USC’s interior and developing Stewart.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
He is known for organizing high-profile demonstrations against immigration and Islam, which have occasionally descended into violence.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
-
By organizing across jurisdictions, members can share information, coordinate lawsuits and put pressure on Congress to adopt stricter oversight rules.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When planting, ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot, amending heavy clay soil with organic matter if needed.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
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The longer term solution will require amending current immigration laws.—
Federico Peña,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The victims were women whom the attacker had come to him after arranging a date on an escort application, police said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Top with butter pieces, arranging evenly over surface.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Straightening (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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