tighten

1 of 2

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

tightener

2 of 2

noun

tight·​en·​er -t(ᵊ)nə(r) 

plural -s

: one that tightens

often : an idle pulley or a sprocket wheel pressed against a belt, band, rope, or chain to tighten it

called also tightening pulley

Synonyms of tighten

Verb

• tense
• stretch

Examples of tighten in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The big-box retailer has also benefited from wealthier consumers’ trading down as Americans tighten their budgets. — Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026

The organization said the changes are intended to keep its textile and leather labels compliant as the bloc tightens its restrictions on green claims. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

One has been the Denver Nuggets potentially tightening payroll, even though their team has to find ways to remain near the top of the brutal Western Conference. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The race tightened dramatically after outside political groups poured millions of dollars into advertising ahead of Tuesday’s runoff. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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