straightens (out)

verb

present tense third-person singular of straighten (out)
as in smooths

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightens (out)
  1. smooths
  2. frays
  3. unwinds
Verb
  • Massaging it into the scalp promotes growth (stimulating blood flow to the area is how the magic happens), while applying it through the lengths reduces breakage and smoothes each strand for a silky, frizz-free finish.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
  • All of this pillow talk smooths Kate’s path to selling Hal on her idea of extracting the bodies from the Russian sub.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooths
Verb
  • Conjuring the troubled inner life of a young, successful Buenos Aires fashion designer with an uncommon mix of stylistic rigor and feeling, the film frays your nerves.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • The coalition of supporters frays Still another issue is conflict within the legalization movement itself, particularly between the business and activist wings.
    — William Garriott, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of frays
Verb
  • The deal unwinds a big merger ten years ago and restores the Rentrak name, which box office insiders will be familiar with.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • After a day on the river or in the hills, this is where Reno unwinds.
    — Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of unwinds
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.

Browse Nearby Words

straightens
straightens (out)
straightens (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Straightens (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightens%20%28out%29. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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