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

But when bracing becomes your default — forcefully tightening your abs during every exercise and throughout the day in pursuit of better posture or aesthetics — the strategy can backfire. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

In the aftermath of the disaster, dam construction laws were tightened. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

The groups have vowed to continue protesting every Thursday to pressure the government to accelerate deportation, enforce immigration laws and tighten security at the country's borders. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

In the meantime, Microsoft has been tightening its relationship with Anthropic, agreeing to invest up to $5 billion in the company late last year and releasing the Copilot Cowork product containing its models. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Aug. 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