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

Over the past year, Saudi Arabia has tightened its control over the anti-Houthi bloc by forcing the United Arab Emirates to abandon its role in the conflict. — David Brennan, ABC News, 23 July 2026

This was a bittersweet day for a team that had tightened its grip on second, but lost one of its podium contenders. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Oil prices in the $90 to $100 per barrel range are supported by tightening fundamentals as exports through Hormuz slow and are at risk in the Red Sea, said Ryan McKay with TD Securities in a note to clients. — Spencer Kimball,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Catalytic Converters As emissions regulations tightened dramatically in the 1970s, manufacturers introduced catalytic converters on production vehicles including the 1975 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Impala and Ford Mustang. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing tighten

• tighten one's belt
• 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