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

see also tighten one's belt

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

Regina tightened the belt of her robe, as if to emphasize her sudden resolve. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

The relationship between Web2 and Web3 will continue to tighten in the coming years. —CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

The company grabbed global attention after China, the world’s largest miner and processor of rare earths, tightened its supply of the critical metals needed to make everything from chips and cars to fighter jets starting last December. —Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

These under-$20 ski gloves are waterproof, windproof, and suited for temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to their thermal fleece interior, durable TPU exterior, and adjustable wrist buckle that can be tightened to lock in heat. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

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