Synonyms of straighten

straighten 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈstrā-tᵊn 

as in to unbend

to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls

straighten that extension cord—it should be just long enough to reach the wall outlet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unbend
• uncurl
• unkink
• unwind
• uncoil
• unroll
• untwist
• disentangle
• untangle
• untwine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• curve
• bend
• curl
• bend
• arc
• round
• bow
• turn
• hook
• crook
• twist
• loop
• swirl
• twine
• wind
• kink
• entwine
• spiral
• coil

straighten (up or out)

2 of 2

verb (2)

1

as in to improve

to change one's behavior or character for the better

I hope that rehab will help her straighten up for good

Synonyms & Similar Words

• improve
• shape up
• amend
• behave
• better
• clean up one's act
• reform
• regenerate
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regress
• backslide

2

as in to trim

to make neat

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trim
• organize
• redd (up or out)
• arrange
• spruce (up)
• tidy (up)
• pick up
• dispose
• draw up
• classify
• neaten
• order
• array
• range
• codify
• systematize
• marshal
• marshall

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mix (up)
• disrupt
• upset
• disturb
• disarray
• tumble
• shuffle
• muddle
• mess (up)
• disorganize
• scramble
• disarrange
• disorder
• jumble
• muss
• tousle
• discompose
• rumple
• dishevel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of straighten

Verb

Winning brings a feeling of pride that straightens the back and widens the stride. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025

So as the Bruins stagger toward the end, one of their priorities is to straighten Swayman out for years to come. —Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Millennial Mom Stops Straightening Her Hair, Shock Over What Happens Next By Daniella Gray Family and Parenting Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 1 A woman has undergone a complete transformation after stopping straightening her hair on a daily basis. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

Many of us have felt pressured to straighten or alter our hair, subtly suggesting our natural textures don’t meet professional standards. —Bydr. Marita Kinney, Bcc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing straighten

• straighten (up or out)