straighten

verb

ˈstrā-tᵊn How to pronounce straighten (audio)
Definition of straightennext
as in to unbend
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of straighten Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 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, 23 June 2026 For Straight, Hydrated Strands Wavytalk The steam technology in this straightening tool infuses moisture into your hair, reduces frizz and minimizes heat damage while delivering sleek, pin-straight results. — V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for straighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten
  1. unbend
  2. uncurl
Verb
  • Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
Definition of unbend
Verb
  • One fall day in 1856, a family of Eastern gray squirrels in rural New York uncurled from a cozy nest in a chestnut tree, looked around, and joined half a billion other squirrels on a multi-state walkabout.
    — Christine Peterson, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Exhale, lower the bridge down, then uncurl the trunk to bring the right hip and shoulder back to the ground.
    — Jen Murphy, WSJ, 16 June 2022
Definition of uncurl

Phrases Containing straighten

Browse Nearby Words

straightbred
straighten
straightened
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Cite this Entry

“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on straighten

Nglish: Translation of straighten for Spanish Speakers

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