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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Example Sentences

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 Governments across Africa have tightened their control of key minerals, the latest signs of a shift toward resource nationalism. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 Zelensky said discussions would focus on coordinating with Ukraine’s allies — likely a reference to ceasefire negotiations — developing joint weapons production projects and tightening sanctions on Moscow. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 24 June 2025 While many are letting loose, others are literally tightening their belts. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 22 June 2025 In Israel, hard-liners would tighten their grip on all facets of the political establishment, push Arabs back and destroy any chance of building a democratic society. Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tighten
Verb
  • Chronic impacts of emotional abuse can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, binge drinking or substance abuse and muscle tension from flinching or tensing up, Patel says.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Losing one-goal leads had threatened to become a theme against Dallas, but a fast start saw the Stars begin to tense up, instead of the other way ’round.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Twenty-two months stretch between Miedema’s 95th goal (September 2022 against Scotland) and 96th goal (July 2024 against Norway), months filled with injury, tears, crippling doubt.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Carlos Alcaraz of Spain stretches to reach a shot from Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the third round of the Gentlemen's Singles Competition on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All...
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tighten. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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