straightening (up or out)

verb

present participle of straighten (up or out)
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

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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)
  1. shaping up
  2. trimming
  3. improving
  4. organizing
  5. amending
  6. arranging
Verb
  • While the ratings and programming landscape has changed dramatically over the intervening decades, this year’s playoffs (starting Tuesday) are shaping up as a back-to-the-future milestone for NBC Sports.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In the southwestern and central United States, an intense week of weather is shaping up.
    — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of shaping up
Verb
  • But while the wider economy has come under pressure, with inflation hovering above 4% and the government trimming its economic growth forecasts, Brazil has also been an economic beneficiary of higher oil prices as a net oil exporter.
    — Chloe Taylor,Thomas Da Graca Barlow, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The hair architect responsible for trimming Lawrence’s texture on Tuesday has not yet been revealed.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of trimming
Verb
  • In these cases, GLP-1 medications can provide cognitive benefits by lowering blood pressure and improving blood sugar control.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The neuroscientist’s guide to improving brain function and rewiring your nervous system to learn new skills and behaviors.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of improving
Verb
  • Centuries before officers appeared in uniform, posing as neutral criminologists, policing developed as a method of organizing society.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This development also signals the ongoing momentum of VFX professionals organizing for fair wages, sustainable benefits, safer working conditions, and a meaningful voice at work.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of organizing
Verb
  • The city’s planning director said amending the zoning code to allow data centers in Sacramento would require multiple public hearings.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The complex legislation — added by gutting and amending a bill known as Senate Bill 492 — was introduced less than three days before the legislative session was to end Monday.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of amending
Verb
  • Newsom was arranging a tour of Southern states later in the summer, specifically to get his face in front of South Carolinians.
    — Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
  • When clients or surrogates travel to California for important medical milestones, Tang and Sonnenberg are often there themselves—arranging schedules, accompanying appointments, and ensuring that days defined by medicine retain a sense of humanity.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of arranging
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 (up)
straightening (up or out)
straighten (out)
See all Nearby Words

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 5 Oct. 2026.

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