1
as in improves
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 trims
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 straightens (up or out)
Verb
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But that approach can create complications over time, especially if your financial situation improves or if creditors pursue legal action.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026 -
Laying things out in advance improves teamwork and keeps every bond humming beautifully.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The third round of voting trims the field to four restaurants.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
25 Mar. 2026
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The Yale Repertory Theatre is using a 2019 adaptation by Frank Galati, which takes the standard Derek Prouse translation which has been around nearly as long as Ionesco original French script and trims it judiciously for maximum theatrical impact.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The idea behind this is to invoke the double-slit experiment, which demonstrates how light behaves as both a particle and a wave, depending on how it is observed.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Users are encouraged to report anyone on the site who sends offensive or abusive messages, or who behaves inappropriately on dates.—
Annie Joy Williams,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The bill amends Article 2 Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia which outlines penalties for obstructing roads.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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The bill amends dozens of sections of Iowa code by striking references to townships and township trustees and replacing them with counties and county supervisors.—
Nick El Hajj,
Des Moines Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But again, even if FDA reforms its work here, states should still be allowed to take additional steps above a federal floor.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Straightens (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightens%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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