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 ).
straightens
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present tense formof straighten (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
Word spreads that Sparks starter Kelsey Plum will be there soon and everyone straightens up.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
A microlens array first aligns and straightens the light from each laser.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 2, 2026
The Mercator map is arguably the best for this purpose, because it straightens out spiraling rhumb lines, and that’s why it rose to dominance.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2026
He visibly straightens and says to Drummond, “Devour feculence,” establishing that this is how he naturally speaks.
From Salon ● Mar. 19, 2025
Philbert straightens his shoulders, leaning into the banter.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
