straighten (out)

verb

Definition of straighten (out)next
as in to smooth

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straighten (out)
  1. smooth
  2. fray
  3. unwind
Verb
  • Its stretchy, wireless design has extra coverage and smoothing side panels that create a cleaner silhouette without squeezing.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • Dark, fade-prone clothes should also be turned inside out, as abrasion from rubbing against other clothes can cause fibers to fray, making clothes look faded.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Amid competing global crises and shifting donor priorities, that safety net is fraying.
    — Lorcan Lovett, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fray
Verb
  • Situational Awareness was forced to unwind its trades in late July.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • May through October is when the region is at its liveliest, with day-trippers, weekend visitors, and travelers coming for weeks at a time to unwind.
    — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwind
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

straightening (up or out)
straighten (out)
straightens
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straighten (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straighten%20%28out%29. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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