tighten up

phrasal verb

tightened up; tightening up; tightens up
: to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective
Security around the building has tightened up recently.
They tightened up security around the building.

Examples of tighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bolster or reattach sagging gutters, tighten up screws, and seal any cracks or leaks with gutter sealant. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 Louisiana Tech will look to strike quickly in the passing game while tightening up a defense that has been inconsistent in recent years. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 Yes, the Buffs tightened up late, and thank goodness. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 The addition of Pep Ljinders to the coaching staff suggests that City are looking to tighten up without the ball. Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tighten up

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“Tighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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