TIGHTEN Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

tighten

verb

ˈtī-tᵊn

Definition of tighten

as in to tense

to draw tight tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

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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.

Recent Examples of tighten The actress turned beauty maven has previously raved about the Lipofix Neck Firming and Lifting Sheet Mask, a plumping and tightening treatment for dry, crepey, mature skin. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 In the aftermath, OpenAI froze some research projects and slowed others while tightening its sandboxes and expanding monitoring. — Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 In an effort to limit those sight lines, this season MLB tightened a longstanding rule governing where first- and third-base coaches are permitted to stand on the field. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Now is the time to nail down loose boards, clean debris out of gaps and tighten loose railings. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tighten

Verb

The women tensed when the deputy warden of the Rostov jail, a curt, imperious man with a heavy-footed gait, walked in.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
As that handover proceeds, the excitatory signal that keeps your muscles faintly tensed all day begins to withdraw, and muscle tone drops toward the near-paralysis of deep sleep.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of tense

Verb

The seasonal calendar is stretching earlier, chains are competing to own the first sip of autumn, and customers are voting with their orders.

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
And Experian IdentityWorks is a solid, affordable pick if you're already stretched thin by loan payments, with a free tier and paid plans still under $25 a month for three-bureau coverage.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of stretch

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tight

tighten

tightened

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“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tighten. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tighten

verb

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