STRAIGHTENING (UP OR OUT) Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

straightening (up or out)

verb

present participle of straighten (up or out)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in trimming

to make neat a directive for everyone to straighten up their cubicle in preparation for a visit from some corporate VIPs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (up or out)

Verb

As rising concerns about the cost of everyday goods, including gas and groceries, weigh on household finances, the election is shaping up to be a key test of economic sentiment.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Jessica Dickler,Sarah Agostino,Greg Iacurci,Lorie Konish,Annie Nova,Sharon Epperson,Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
And that’s what’s fueling what is shaping up to be an extraordinarily strong El Niño.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of shaping up

Verb

The Legislature has been trimming home building regulations and should continue.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
During the winter holidays, millions of people are traveling, many of whom are expected at the Thanksgiving table or tree-trimming party.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of trimming

Verb

Her labor-organizing career took root in California’s agriculturally rich Central Valley, and her foundation is headquartered in Bakersfield.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
The researchers realized that condensates concentrate molecules, pre-organizing them into a flexible microenvironment without locking them in place like a solid.

— Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of organizing

Verb

In 1990, Congress considered amending the CAA so that the EPA could substitute itself and take control of citizen suits over alleged violations.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Independent experts have also called for amending building codes to require long-term monitoring of settlement.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of amending

Verb

One of our all-time favorite experiences was arranging a private, behind-the-scenes tour of Blenheim Palace, led by none other than the Duke of Marlborough himself.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Miranda Orozco, 50, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after admitting to arranging travel and accommodations for two people who died and another who was seriously injured.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of arranging

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straightening (up)

straightening (up or out)

straighten (out)

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“Straightening (up or out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28up%20or%20out%29. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of straightening (up or out)

verb

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