tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of tightennext

transitive verb

: to make tight or tighter

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter
tightener
ˈtīt-nər, 
ˈtī-tᵊn-ər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
noun
see also:
tighten one's belt

Synonyms of tighten

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Examples of tighten in a Sentence

She tightened her hold on the handle. tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That has forced tankers onto longer routes and pushed up insurance costs, tightening the effective supply of vessels even as global trade keeps moving. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Earlier this year, the government also tightened rules for foreign business owners, raising the capital requirement of a business manager visa popular among entrepreneurs from five million yen ($31,000) to 30 million ($126,000). — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Lift procedures—which are meant to tighten and contour—across areas of the body have also significantly gone up in numbers. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tighten

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tighten was circa 1727

Phrases Containing tighten

Rhymes for tighten

See All Rhymes for tighten

Browse Nearby Words

tight-cut
tighten
tight end
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Cite this Entry

“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tighten

verb
tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become tight or tighter
tightener
-nər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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