1
as in shaping up
to change one's behavior or character for the better
I hope that rehab will help her straighten up for good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in trimming
to make neat
a directive for everyone to straighten up their cubicle in preparation for a visit from some corporate VIPs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (up or out)
Verb
-
This year's 5K is shaping up to outpace last year's.—
Jan Carabeo,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026 -
River levels are rising in Boise April is shaping up to be the wettest in Boise history, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Tried to listen online while the neighbor made enough noise cutting and trimming his yard during the entire game.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Steve Anderson was trimming a tree near a power line with his 17-year-old son on Saturday, April 18, when the accident occurred, according to Fox affiliate KOKI.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The 89-page plan includes goals like adding new academic programs, improving student life, increased research opportunities and better community engagement.—
Samuel O’Neal
May 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 May 2026
-
Maintaining and improving California’s bond rating is also critical to lowering costs.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Parents are also organizing a bake sale at the event, and a direct donation campaign is underway.—
Amy Stark Shireman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
During Barack Obama’s presidency, conservative funders invested in grassroots organizing to beat the left’s turnout and persuasion machines.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That act, of amending Jefferson’s original draft, edit upon edit, has been the story not only of new nation-states declaring their independence but also of people within nation-states.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Congress overturned that by amending the law to allow results of a districting scheme to be sufficient proof.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Clerk-Treasurer Corinne Peffers was also authorized to contact the Barnes & Thornburg law firm as counsel in arranging for a general obligation bond to finance the purchase.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Grab a wide and shallow bowl, place a floral frog inside, and start arranging the tulip stems in an organic way.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Straightening (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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