straighten (up or out)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten (up or out)
Verb
  • The lateral stretching of toe spread exercises can help improve your flexibility and motor control, protect against bunion pain and increase foot stability, Tenforde says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Doing so not only creates a tidier physical space but also improves mental space since you’re not left dwelling on what to do with your things.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Though the index rebounded shortly after, its gains were trimmed in early 2025 as U.S. President Donald Trump ignited his trade war.
    Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Asparagus could be cut, trucked to the plant, trimmed, washed, blanched, packaged, and quick-frozen to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in less than two hours; one was the goal.
    John Seabrook June 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Now, the two horses and six others will meet in what is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated horse races of the year.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 7 June 2025
  • But based on the Trump administration’s track record, this new department is shaping up to be a textbook case of political double standards.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Gracie Oaks Versus 20-Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet Keep your shoes neatly organized with this storage cabinet, which conceals up to 20 pairs.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • In 2020, government stimulus efforts overwhelmed financial systems, and fraud rings used that window to organize, fund and scale.
    Rodney Drake, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Last month, the Ohio Ballot Board signed off on the proposal to amend the Ohio constitution to abolish property taxes, giving official permission to Citizens for Property Tax Reform to start gathering signatures supporting the measure's appearance on the November ballot.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • Gregory Davis, public information officer for the city of Ocala, told ABC News the city's council will be voting on Tuesday to amend the ordinance.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Successful deployment depends on robust guardrails—policies, oversight mechanisms and escalation paths that ensure agents behave in alignment with enterprise standards.
    Alan Ranger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • There are times when adults really should behave more like children.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The park hosts various stargazing events, and larger groups can arrange hour-long astronomy programs (pending staff availability).
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • Fun fact: Cohen arranged the casting contract for his former Goonies costar Ke Huy Quan for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
    Sarah Weldon, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The cerebral and emotional aspect of being a Stray Kid means the members are also constantly pushing themselves to better their craft.
    Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • Richardson is vocal about her journey to continue bettering herself as a person and athlete, making this partnership an excellent match.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Straighten (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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