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

• 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

The latest controls aim to tighten its grip on the supply chains that move rare earths from mine to market—and preempt other nations from establishing their own. —Young Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Earlier this month, China significantly tightened its restrictions on rare earth elements, which make up a key input in semiconductors found in an array of products from cars to home appliances. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025

Their high prices, combined with strong demand, have led some workplaces to tighten or eliminate coverage for weight loss. —Phil Galewitz, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

The garment tightened at the waist while the top hung relatively loosely, and the midi-length column featured a thigh-high slit. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 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