Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for tighten. Search instead for tighteni.
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.

Apple has been paying a premium to buy up memory chips in what Goldberg believes is a “is part of a deliberate strategy for the company to tighten conditions for its competitors.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

UConn had missed all but one 3-pointer in the first half, and if the numbers leveled out and the scoreboard tightened, he sensed that Duke—led by star freshman Cameron Boozer—might tighten up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Her claims have triggered demonstrations, promises to tighten the law and criticism that Chancellor Friedrich Merz has bungled his response.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The cells produced much less nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen, and more endothelin-1, which causes vessels to tighten.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

Jonathan felt a hand tighten on his shoulder.

From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi