straighten

[streyt-n] / ˈstreɪt n /

VERB

put in neat or aligned order

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rectify uncoil

STRONG

align arrange compose correct even level neaten order tidy unbend uncurl unfold unravel unsnarl untwist

WEAK

make plumb make straight put in order put perpendicular put straight put to rights put upright put vertical set to rights smarten up spruce up

Antonyms

STRONG

disarrange disorder disorganize disperse mess up mix up scatter

WEAK

bend curve move twist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After Wednesday’s column, readers emailed to straighten me out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

It took a meeting with the inflation-slaying giant of a former Fed chair, Paul Volcker, to straighten him out.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

Should these innings be used to straighten out previously-successful relievers such as Treinen and Scott?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

"Can y'all come straighten it up over here? It's not looking luxurious," Sean "Diddy" Combs says in a voice note to his personal assistants as R&B music mellows in the background.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

Håkon did better with this method and almost stood, but then stumbled as he tried to straighten up.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing straighten

List 10

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"The Giving Tree"

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Spelling Practice 3, Unit 4

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