straightened; straightening
ˈstrāt-niŋ 
ˈstrā-tᵊn-iŋ
: to make straight
—usually used with up or out
: to become straight
—usually used with up or out
Examples of straighten in a Sentence
He straightened the bent antenna.
The drooping flowers straightened in the rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
For the sleeker princess bob, go in with a straightening iron to create a smooth look, rounding the edges but still keeping the volume through the roots.
—
Lauren Murdoch-Smith, Vogue, 14 June 2024
However, here is a general guide on how to administer ear medication to dogs, according to VCA Animal Hospitals:
Grab your dog's ear to expose and straighten the canal.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024
Although no retractions of any legal claims were issued and the lawsuits were still pending, Cohen reacted as though that were the end of it, appearing on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter straightening his tie above the headline WHAT, ME WORRY?
—Jessica Pressler, Vulture, 3 June 2024
Her medium-length dark tresses were straightened, while her makeup included a pop of colorful eyeshadow and a glossy nude lip.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for straighten 
Lauren Murdoch-Smith, Vogue, 14 June 2024
However, here is a general guide on how to administer ear medication to dogs, according to VCA Animal Hospitals:
Grab your dog's ear to expose and straighten the canal.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024
Although no retractions of any legal claims were issued and the lawsuits were still pending, Cohen reacted as though that were the end of it, appearing on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter straightening his tie above the headline WHAT, ME WORRY?
—Jessica Pressler, Vulture, 3 June 2024
Her medium-length dark tresses were straightened, while her makeup included a pop of colorful eyeshadow and a glossy nude lip.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for straighten
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'straighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near straighten
Cite this Entry
“Straighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straighten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
straighten
verb
straight·en
ˈstrāt-ᵊn
straightened; straightening
ˈstrāt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become straight
—usually used with up or out
straighten up a room
straightened out the problem
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