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

Phrases

tighten one's belt

: to practice strict economy

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

Because most Venezuelans abroad are in the region, any shock that tightens job markets, overstretches schools and clinics, or disrupts cross-border travel could push households to move again. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Over the past two years, Europe has tightened its policies. —William Jones, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images Higher-income shoppers are looking for deals, and younger consumers are tightening their purse strings, according to recent earnings reports from consumer companies. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025

Ultimately, the alliance advances Mango’s efforts to increase value chain transparency and helps position the company to meet tightening regulatory demands and shifting consumer expectations. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Nov. 2025

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