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
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Capris and cropped pants are shaping up to be one of summer 2026’s biggest trends, making this stretchy cotton pair an excellent score.
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Her appearance is the latest in a string of royal engagements in what is shaping up to be another busy summer for the royal family.
Verb
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This factor was vastly dwarfed by organizational restructuring, budget cuts, and economic conditions, which are all far more standard explanations historically used by corporations to justify trimming jobs.
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Consider trimming a task list, then schedule a quiet break between meetings to recharge.
Verb
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Pogačar is only improving as a rider, a scary proposition for man with his extraordinary palmares.
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Higgins also says that improving resilience will mean changing the city’s building code to allow innovative new technology.
Verb
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Shoppers appreciate the inner pockets for organizing small essentials, along with the top zipper that keeps everything nice and secure.
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The cruise, which departs from Greece on July 5, was expected to dock in the Turkish port town of Kuşadası two days later, followed by a trip to Istanbul, according to Atlantis Events, which is organizing the voyage.
Verb
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Disparate impact also lives under the Fair Housing Act, a separate law the Bureau cannot rewrite by amending Regulation B.
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Michelle Ford, a soil scientist and wildlife biologist who owns EcoMaps, said Silverman over the past two months had addressed her concerns about wetlands protection by amending plans.
Verb
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All these plans acknowledge the experience gap, namely that training without arranging relevant work experience is often futile.
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Among DeJohn’s hobbies were flower arranging, collecting anything blue and white, gardening, and decorating.
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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 5 Jul. 2026.
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