STRAIGHTENING (UP OR OUT) Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

straightening (up or out)

verb

present participle of straighten (up or out)

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

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as in trimming

to make neat a directive for everyone to straighten up their cubicle in preparation for a visit from some corporate VIPs

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (up or out)

Verb

So, how is Alexander-Arnold’s second season in the Spanish capital shaping up?

— Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
With classes starting Thursday, the District U-46 School Board was given an optimistic report Monday on ongoing construction and how things are shaping up for the new school year.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaping up

Verb

The machine is programmed in advance, allowing landscapers to complete other tasks, such as trimming and cleanup, while the mower cuts the grass.

— Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Moving basil to full sun, watering consistently, and trimming leggy stems can revitalize it late in the season.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of trimming

Verb

Those convicted on Friday were key leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, the group responsible for organizing the annual remembrance until 2019.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Keeping your shoes on the floor isn’t wrong, but there are wrong ways to do it, like organizing them only by color, for one.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of organizing

Verb

For two years, legislators and advocacy groups have proposed amending the Illinois Pesticide Act to require advance notification before spraying near schools and parks.

— Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
There are many ways to improve your garden’s soil quality, such as amending it with compost and mulching around plants.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of amending

Verb

Trump has privately discussed arranging an in-person meeting with Kim during his next trip to Asia, likely in November, the Journal said, when he is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China.

— Anniek Bao,Lisa Kim, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The musician in charge curates the guest experience, creating the soundtrack, collaborating on food and beverage menus, and arranging one-of-a-kind onsite performances that make a weekend feel like a complete all-access adventure.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of arranging

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straightening (up)

straightening (up or out)

straighten (out)

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“Straightening (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of straightening (up or out)

verb

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