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
-
Meanwhile, third-quarter growth is shaping up to be hotter.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025 -
With construction underway, the project is shaping up as more than just the latest luxury escape.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Its trimming rippled in the afternoon wind.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
-
While Ford is pivoting towards hybrids, other automakers like GM are trimming their workforce and slowing electric production.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After the trade, Jones talked about how improving the run defense was part of their decision-making.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Ten years on from the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the vision of improving lives everywhere in harmony with our planet is under unprecedented strain.—
Sebastian Buckup,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Lucy Milligan Wahl is the owner of LMW Edits, a professional organizing company.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Sep. 2025
-
In an interview with Vogue to promote her new Maybelline campaign, the Grammy winner, 32, spoke about spending time organizing clothes, awards and other objects from her career, noting how she's been doing the same in many areas of her life.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Though the White House technically lost a lawsuit brought by the Associated Press this spring, the president was still able to spin it as a win for his base by amending the way that all wire publications were included in the routine press pool rotations.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
-
As reported by Reuters, Anutin's election was the result of a political agreement with the progressive opposition People's Party, the largest bloc in parliament, which was convinced by his promise to hold a referendum on amending the constitution and call a general election within four months.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The whistleblower complaint alleges that in addition to arranging for fake jobs, LAFS also illegally tied compensation for its sales team to student enrollment.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
23 Sep. 2025
-
To roast pepitas, follow the same initial steps (preheating your oven, tossing them in olive oil and seasonings, and arranging them on a baking sheet).—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
19 Sep. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share