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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Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025 -
While most of the squad have returned to their various European clubs, the select J-League representatives return home to play their part in the climax of what is shaping up to be another thrilling title fight.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dividend cuts ‘would send shivers through Wall Street’ Clark Williams-Derry, energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), a non-profit organization, said trimming the share buybacks is likely Big Oil’s easiest option.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
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While holiday spending is expected to rise overall—especially for essential goods such as groceries, which are projected to increase by 23 percent—many shoppers are trimming their budgets in other areas.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The researchers plan to address the light sensitivity issue by modifying how the vitamin interacts with the electrolyte and by improving the engineering of the flow cell itself.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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Aaron Bergman, Larkins’ attorney, said Larkins, who is now 18, cares about improving access for other children in school.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Indivisible Central Indiana took the lead in organizing the Indianapolis protest while the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, MADVoters Indiana, Women4Change Indiana, Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis and others assisted and promoted the event.—
Tony Cook,
IndyStar,
18 Oct. 2025
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Another, the Illinois Separation Referendum, has been organizing local ballot measures across rural counties.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After amending the soil, add a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch to the soil's surface to help slow down moisture evaporation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
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The change would have required amending the city’s municipal code, a multi-month process.—
Barbara Henry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Except for those limitations, the Army is arranging to return those eligible for demobilization as quickly as possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
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Three years at the symphony Starting on his first day, July 27, 2020, Jones’ responsibilities included assigning parts to musicians, managing instruments, arranging production with stage crews and leading the percussion section’s performance.—
Matti Gellman,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
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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 21 Oct. 2025.
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