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.

Asked about criticism of the government's recent decision to tighten export controls, Juda said the goal was to reduce losses from graft, which is estimated at $900 billion in 20 years.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Meanwhile, the latest EIA inventory data showed U.S. crude stockpiles continue to tighten, having fallen 7.2 million barrels last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Juda also defended a move to tighten parliamentary oversight over the central bank, insisting the institution's independence was "non-negotiable".

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 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

It is almost impossible to tighten the orbicularis oculi, pars orbitalis on demand, and it is equally difficult to stop it from tightening when we smile at something genuinely pleasurable.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

tighten

Example Sentences

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