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
Relevance
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)
Verb
-
The Texas Senate race is shaping up to be a crowded one with competitive primaries on both the Republican and Democratic sides.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025 -
Saturday is shaping up to be a repeat.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The junior launched himself through a pile for a two-yard touchdown rush, trimming the deficit to 35-34.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
-
With revisions earlier this year mostly trimming prior readings, more downward revisions could be due.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But instead of improving, L’s mental health deteriorated.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Resting your eyes, adjusting your digital screen settings, or improving your posture can often relieve symptoms without medical intervention.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Removing the pressure of a large-scale organizing or decluttering effort can be a game changer for people who struggle with organizing.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Some common areas employees are using AI include drafting emails, taking meeting notes, organizing files, data entry and completing forms.—
Ernestine Siu
Shreya Ghosal,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As reported by Reuters, Anutin's election was the result of a political agreement with the progressive opposition People's Party, the largest bloc in parliament, which was convinced by his promise to hold a referendum on amending the constitution and call a general election within four months.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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After amending your soil with compost or aged manure before planting, these heavy-feeding plants need an additional side-dressing with a balanced organic fertilizer when their leafy shoots emerge in spring.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Strategic leaders are the generals, arranging forces before engagements.—
George Bradt,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Lizzo plops down in a straw chair with familiarity, arranging the many pillows around her and assuming a palms-up position.—
Allison P. Davis,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
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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 16 Sep. 2025.
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