straightened; straightening
ˈstrāt-niŋ
ˈstrā-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make straight
—usually used with out
straightened out his legs
2
: to make neat or tidy
—usually used with up or out
straightened up the room
straightened out the papers
: to become straight
—usually used with up or out
stopped slouching and straightened up
The river curves and then straightens out.
Cite this Entry
“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straighten. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.
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