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straightening (out)

verb

present participle of straighten (out)
as in smoothing

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (out)
  1. smoothing
  2. fraying
Verb
  • WashWise recommends holding the spray 8 to 12 inches away, applying a light mist and smoothing or gently tugging the fabric to release wrinkles.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sobel adds that the peptide complex Matrixyl also offers impressive line-smoothing benefits.
    — Emily Orofino, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of smoothing
Verb
  • Social cohesion is fraying, and crime is rising, while plunging birth rates and emigration warp Cuba’s demographics.
    — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Despite fraying relations with FIFA, the vibe once the sport began was largely good.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of fraying
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.

Browse Nearby Words

straightening
straightening (out)
straightening (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Straightening (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28out%29. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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