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
-
In that way, the race seems to be shaping up as less a competition than a self-fulfilling prophecy.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026 -
Critics say event ‘hijacked’ by Christian nationalism Critics say Rededicate 250 is shaping up to promote Christian nationalism — whose adherents typically believe that the United States was founded as and should be a Christian nation.—
Peter Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Mamdani’s Executive Budget rightly addresses some of this excess, trimming DOC’s uniformed headcount by 586 positions, and putting the city on track to save $78 million next year.—
Jason Rodriguez,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2026
-
The conglomerate also fully exited Amazon after trimming the position late last year.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The new commissioner faces the daunting task of improving the existing jail while planning for a world without it.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
It was built for static products like imaging algorithms, not for adaptive systems that keep improving.—
Alon Bergman,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Verb
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On top of that, the permanent staff organizing the fest and the Marché du Film is now over 50 percent female, including in leadership positions.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
-
High turnout, civic engagement, and community organizing still matter.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Rebecca Green, a law professor and director of the Election Law Program at William & Mary Law School in Virginia, said the court there rejected the redistricting plan based on narrow grounds pertaining to Virginia law on amending the state Constitution, which doesn’t apply in California.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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That act, of amending Jefferson’s original draft, edit upon edit, has been the story not only of new nation-states declaring their independence but also of people within nation-states.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
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There’s also a lifestyle concierge to help book all sorts of experiences or answer any questions, from arranging a tour of Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul to coordinating a private driver to Teotihuacán.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Events range from making flower crowns to seasonal vase arranging — no experience needed.—
Mindy Sink,
Denver Post,
14 May 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 18 May. 2026.
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