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

Lagree is a patented exercise method designed to strengthen, tighten and tone muscles efficiently, according to the Lagree website. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

As ethical standards evolve and repatriation laws tighten, ethnographic museums worldwide are increasingly removing human remains from public display. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

The latest arrivals are expected to be held at a maximum-security prison for up to a year, as Eswatini pledges to protect their rights while tightening security measures. — Nokukhanya Musi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

If tuition remains unchanged while borrowing limits tighten, the reforms won't have reduced the cost of higher education—they'll simply have redistributed who bears it. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 8 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