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

I rarely straighten my mop of thick, curly hair, and when I do, it’s not always a great experience.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 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

Her forfeit was to straighten her mop of curly hair for the team's evening meal.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Zheng got up and staggered around like a crab before he managed to straighten up.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook