straighten

verb

straight·​en ˈstrā-tᵊn 

straightened; straightening ˈstrāt-niŋ 

ˈstrā-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make straight

—usually used with up or out

intransitive verb

: to become straight

—usually used with up or out

straightener

ˈstrāt-nər 

ˈstrā-tᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms

• unbend
• uncurl
• unkink

Examples of straighten in a Sentence

He straightened the bent antenna.

The drooping flowers straightened in the rain.

Recent Examples on the Web

More news: Mystery Team Enters Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes After failing to straighten things out in the minors, Brogdon returned to Philadelphia in 2024 but was traded to the Dodgers after allowing seven runs (six earned) in three appearances. —Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

And on cue, Chu grows half an inch taller, straightening his spine and adjusting the tilt of his chin. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025

Another key to straightening safely is to be mindful of the temperature of your flatiron. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 30 Dec. 2024

The unique design reinvents straightening and drying into one no-damage process. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing straighten

• straighten out
• straighten up

Kids Definition

straighten

verb

straight·​en ˈstrāt-ᵊn 

straightened; straightening ˈstrāt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become straight

—usually used with up or out

straighten up a room

straightened out the problem

straightener

ˈstrāt-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun