Definitions

tighten

[tahyt-n] / ˈtaɪt n /

VERB

constrict

Synonyms

STRONGEST

narrow stiffen toughen

STRONG

bind clench close compress condense congeal contract cramp crush fasten fix grip harden pinch pressure rigidify screw secure squeeze strain strangle stretch tauten tense

Antonyms

STRONGEST

untighten

STRONG

allow compress concentrate enlarge expand extend free give help increase lengthen let go loose loosen lose melt open release stretch uncompress unfasten untie

WEAK

relax

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.

With student loan debt at a record $1.7 trillion, the U.S. is tightening the spigot on federal loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

When demand grows for mortgage bonds, it can spark a rally and see spreads tighten.

From MarketWatch

Rather, they would be expected to tighten lending standards, shutting out borrowers with lower credit scores.

From MarketWatch

But once the field spread, Sri Lanka tightened the screws, applied the choke and forced the asking rate to spiral.

From Barron's