straighten
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).
straightened
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past participleof straighten.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof straighten.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
straightenverb (used with or without object)to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A section of the River Kemp, in south Shropshire, had been straightened by landowners in the 1800s, disconnecting it from its natural floodplain and reducing biodiversity.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
Their mother, whom Jerry has been looking after, is dying, and there are medical bills that need to be straightened out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026
A very kind woman working behind the desk straightened me out: I was being too literal.
From Slate ● Dec. 29, 2025
“The tears that I have shed over this, the frustration, the hours on the phone, trying to get it straightened out,” said Reisen, who lives in the Philadelphia area.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2025
Everyone saw the mess that made, and it had taken years to get history straightened back out.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
