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 Before long, his wealth and his hair would expand, and the teeth would be straightened. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 The problems started with Cole Carrigg at the plate, when Eddings took it upon himself to tell Cardinals pitcher Hancel Rincon — who was making his MLB debut — to straighten his cap. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Farther still, as the road straightens and lengthens, the view is of open space. — Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026 Minimize Heat Exposure To protect against heat damage, Walker-Rodgers suggests always using a heat protectant spray or cream before blowing out, curling, or straightening your hair. — Sarah Madaus, InStyle, 30 Aug. 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
  • The social hierarchy is unbending, but Flora knows she is destined for something greater, even though this puts her at odds with her superiors.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 29 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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