unbend
verb
un·bend ˌən-ˈbend 
unbent ˌən-ˈbent ; unbending
; unbending transitive verb
1
: to free from flexure : make or allow to become straight
unbend a bow
2
: to cause to relax : to set at ease for a time
unbend the mind from study
3
a
: to unfasten from a spar or stay
unbend a sail
b
: to cast loose : untie
unbend a rope
intransitive verb
1
: to relax one's severity, stiffness, or austerity
2
: to cease to be bent : become straight
Synonyms
- straighten
- uncurl
- unkink
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He was bending and unbending his fingers. His fingers were bending and unbending. He unbent a little at the party.
Recent Examples on the Web Then unbend and flatten the second bobby pin to make one long, straight lock pick. 
Kevin Dupzyk And Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2020 The Trump administration’s unbending policy toward Iran was supposed to force the foe into submission. Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, 19 June 2019 Sarri was unbending in his desire to implement his style and his philosophy at the club, and no amount of pressure from fans or journalists changed this fact. SI.com, 5 June 2019 Right-to-try laws indulge the fear that unbending bureaucrats in Washington have kept patients from medical cures with an excess of red tape. Daniel Engber, Slate Magazine, 25 July 2017 Tilica is unbending in her focus, and uncompromising when accepting what’s possible. Sam Mellinger, kansascity.com, 12 May 2017
Kevin Dupzyk And Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2020 The Trump administration’s unbending policy toward Iran was supposed to force the foe into submission. Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, 19 June 2019 Sarri was unbending in his desire to implement his style and his philosophy at the club, and no amount of pressure from fans or journalists changed this fact. SI.com, 5 June 2019 Right-to-try laws indulge the fear that unbending bureaucrats in Washington have kept patients from medical cures with an excess of red tape. Daniel Engber, Slate Magazine, 25 July 2017 Tilica is unbending in her focus, and uncompromising when accepting what’s possible. Sam Mellinger, kansascity.com, 12 May 2017 Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
unbend
verb
as in to straighten
to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls the new highway will largely unbend that twisting path that the old road used to follow Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- straighten
- uncurl
- unkink
- unwind
- uncoil
- untwist
- unroll
- untwine
- disentangle
- untangle
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bend
- curve
- bend
- curl
- arc
- bow
- round
- turn
- hook
- crook
- twist
- loop
- twine
- swirl
- wind
- entwine
- kink
- coil
- spiral