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.

Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan gave one of the most direct warnings yet from a U.S. central banker that the Federal Reserve may need to tighten monetary policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Switzerland's biggest bank UBS is currently at loggerheads with the government, which wants to tighten banking regulations following the implosion of Credit Suisse in 2023.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

These "meaningfully tighten regulation and are likely to drive more visible acceleration in EV adoption", Venugopal Garre and Param Shah, analysts with Bernstein, said in a note.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

For supporters, the effort represents a long-promised attempt to tighten immigration controls and redefine American citizenship more narrowly.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

The United Nations Security Council had passed a new resolution to tighten the monitoring and enforcement of sanctions against the Taliban.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

tighten

Example Sentences

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