tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make tight or tighter

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter

tightener

ˈtīt-nər, 

ˈtī-tᵊn-ər 

noun

Phrases

tighten one's belt

: to practice strict economy

Synonyms of tighten

• tense
• stretch

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

As part of its efforts to tighten control over the waters, China maintains a persistent presence of naval and coast guard vessels, supported by reefs that have been expanded into outposts with military infrastructure, including aviation and defensive facilities. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Model of the Year Anok Yai used the treatment to tighten and strengthen her core before walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with 40-pound wings. —Essence, 5 Dec. 2025

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill aimed at tightening regulations on service and emotional support animals. —Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 5 Dec. 2025

The best bakuchiol serums deliver the brightening, tightening effects of retinol, minus the irritation—ever-more imperative as the temperatures dip. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing tighten

• tighten/put the thumbscrews on
• tighten the noose
• tighten the purse strings
• tighten the screws
• tighten up

Rhymes for tighten

• brighten
• chitin
• frighten
• heighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• enlighten
• exciton
• periphyton

Kids Definition

tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become tight or tighter

tightener

-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun