straightening (up)

verb

present participle of straighten (up)
as in tidying (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightening (up)
  1. making up
  2. drawing up
  3. grooming
Verb
  • The project is expected to set aside 40% of its units as affordable for those making up to 60% of the area median income under federal guidelines.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • She was later wrongfully accused of making up the allegations and fired, while Durrah maintained his employment with the department, Tillman claimed in her complaint.
    — Amber Gaudet Updated August 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of making up
Verb
  • Congress also has the right to impeach the president, with the House drawing up articles of impeachment and the Senate holding the trial on those articles.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Forward-looking brands and retailers are drawing up blueprints for the next demographic frontier — the tiniest tots born between 2025 and 2039.
    — Faye Brookman, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of drawing up
Verb
  • For Venice, the couple looked to their go-to Dimitris Giannetos for grooming.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Brushing against a lily can leave pollen on its coat, which the cat may later swallow while grooming.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of grooming
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 (out)
straightening (up)
straightening (up or out)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightening (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightening%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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