as in uncurling
to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls
straighten that extension cord—it should be just long enough to reach the wall outlet
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Recent Examples of straightening
Slowly lower your right arm overhead toward the floor while simultaneously straightening and lowering your left leg a few inches (perform the movement slowly and controlled).
—
Jakob Roze, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
According to a report from Emory University, many Black Americans in the late 19th century turned to hair straightening to avoid discrimination.
—Lauren Winfrey, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Its purpose is to improve the external appearance of the nose by removing a hump, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, or making the nose appear smaller and more balanced with the rest of the face.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
So instead of getting up and immediately straightening the covers, go through your usual morning routine before circling back.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
Imagine lowering your body in one straight plane, and pushing right back up and straightening your elbows.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
How To Hone And Sharpen Knives Honing Honing involves realigning the edge of the knife, straightening the existing edge to keep it slicing efficiently.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Simply spend 60 seconds straightening your sheets, smoothing your comforter or duvet, and fluffing your pillows, and marvel at how the chore instantly makes your entire bedroom look neater.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Push through your left foot to jump as high in the air as possible, straightening both legs and bringing your arms together in front of your chest.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Dec. 2025
Jakob Roze, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
According to a report from Emory University, many Black Americans in the late 19th century turned to hair straightening to avoid discrimination.
—Lauren Winfrey, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Its purpose is to improve the external appearance of the nose by removing a hump, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, or making the nose appear smaller and more balanced with the rest of the face.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
So instead of getting up and immediately straightening the covers, go through your usual morning routine before circling back.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
Imagine lowering your body in one straight plane, and pushing right back up and straightening your elbows.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
How To Hone And Sharpen Knives Honing Honing involves realigning the edge of the knife, straightening the existing edge to keep it slicing efficiently.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Simply spend 60 seconds straightening your sheets, smoothing your comforter or duvet, and fluffing your pillows, and marvel at how the chore instantly makes your entire bedroom look neater.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Push through your left foot to jump as high in the air as possible, straightening both legs and bringing your arms together in front of your chest.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening
Verb
-
Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
There’s nothing wrong with legislators unwinding and heading back to their districts, but Americans are reasonably annoyed to see their representatives at a casino or theme park amid a partial government shutdown.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Stock up on cheese at the Door County Creamery before unwinding with a Wisconsin Old Fashioned at Sister Bay Bowl, a supper club-meets-bowling alley.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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