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
-
More than a workflow, CD/CR is positioned as a new framework and potentially a new SOC discipline, built around the idea that detection and investigation should function as a single self-improving system.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
In addition to the work on the golf course, which includes improving bunkers and teeing areas as well as re-grassing, Jeffersonville in 2024 completed a new $12 million state-of-the-art clubhouse.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
That vote was meant to be the final part of the multistep process for amending the Virginia constitution.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
Proper plant placement and amending soil to ensure adequate drainage are the best way to prevent root rots.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
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
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 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
