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Showing results for straighten.
Definitions

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

I straighten the brim of the new running hat I bought with Dad’s gift certificate, which is not suffocating my scalp, thank goodness, but it does keep riding down my forehead.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.