tight

adjective

\ ˈtīt

Definition of tight

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : having elements close together a tight formation a tight line of type

b : so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light) a tight ship a tight seal — compare lightproof, watertight

c : fitting very close to the body tight jeans also : too snug tight shoes

d(1) : closely packed : very full a tight bale of hay

(2) : barely allowing time for completion a tight schedule tight deadlines

e : allowing little or no room for free motion or movement a tight connection a tight crawl space also : having a small radius a tight turn

2a : strongly fixed or held : secure a tight jar lid a tight grip on the ladder

b(1) : not slack or loose : taut kept the reins tight a tight knot a tight drumhead also : marked by firmness and muscle tone a tight stomach

(2) : marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body) lips tight with anger a family tight with fear

3a : difficult to cope with in a tight spot financially

b : relatively difficult to obtain money is tight just now also : characterized by such difficulty a tight job market

c : not liberal in giving : stingy tight with a penny

4 : characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : close a tight race for mayor

5a : characterized by firmness or strictness in control or application or in attention to details tight security ran a tight newsroom keeps a tight hand on her investments

b : marked by control or discipline in expression or style : having little or no extraneous matter tight writing

c : characterized by a polished style and precise arrangements in music performance

6 : having a close personal or working relationship : intimate is tight with the boss

7 : being such that the subject fills the frame a tight close-up

8 : somewhat drunk

9 chiefly dialectal : capable, competent

tight

adverb

Definition of tight (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : fast, tightly, firmly the door was shut tight

2 : in a sound manner : soundly sleep tight

Other Words from tight Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tight

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Synonyms & Antonyms for tight

Synonyms: Adjective

impenetrable, impermeable, impervious

Antonyms: Adjective

penetrable, permeable, pervious

Examples of tight in a Sentence

Adjective

The lid is too tight. I can't loosen it. She made a tight knot in the rope. Keep a tight grip on his hand when you cross the street. Pull the ribbon tight and make a bow.

Adverb

Is the door shut tight? She screwed the cap on tight. Don't close the lid so tight. We were packed as tight as sardines on the bus.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Companies like Lockheed Martin have pitched landers adjusted for this tight deadline and other international partners will help build the station. — Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, "Blue Origin Reveals the Blue Moon Lunar Lander," 9 May 2019 While Taylor's known for using her music to put her relationships on full blast, she's kept this one under tight wraps. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "5 Signs Taylor Swift Is Definitely Engaged To Joe Alwyn," 29 Apr. 2019 This is a very tight-knit group of people and we've been working really hard for eight years, all together, to make this fabulous thing called Veep. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Veep's Final Season and Why She Wrote a Personal Letter to Christine Blasey Ford," 28 Mar. 2019 Lows: Not as practical as some rivals, navigation only on top model, tight rear seat. — Kirk Seaman, Car and Driver, "2019 Editors' Choice Awards: The Best Trucks, SUVs, and Vans," 24 Jan. 2019 The resulting movie presents a rare inside perspective on the American South’s black underclass, sharing the celebrations and stresses of a tight-knit but desperately poor community. — Noel Murray, The Verge, "The 10 best documentaries of 2018," 18 Dec. 2018 Thousands turned out in Addis Ababa under tight security to welcome Isaias, whose visit is the latest step in ending a long state of war. — BostonGlobe.com, "6 dead after attackers target presidential palace," 14 July 2018 In the tight-knit world of New York art dealers, not all have empathy to spare. — Town & Country, "Mary Boone Is Taking a Break," 18 Apr. 2019 This helps activate the inner thighs and keeps your body in a more tight, compact position, which will make the move slightly easier than if your thighs were separated. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Work Your Entire Core With This Stability Ball Exercise From Celebrity Trainer Astrid Swan," 10 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Sit tight as the runway heats up and then...enjoy the show! — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Watch the Tory Burch Spring 2019 Runway Show Live," 7 Sep. 2018 The petticoat went firmly around my waist, and my blouse, tailor made to measure in India, closed in the front like a corset, its short sleeves tight around my underarms. — Meara Sharma, Vogue, "Why I Am Taking the Sari Back to the Street," 30 Apr. 2019 Anything tight-fitting can rub raw spots and make matters worse, says dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, M.D., in New York City. — Amber Katz, Glamour, "12 Things Your Bikini Waxer Wants You to Know," 24 Mar. 2019 Although Hall is staying tight-lipped on her beau, Page Six confirmed that Hall is married to Steven Greener, a music executive. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Get to Know Tamron Hall's Husband Steven Greener Before Their Baby Arrives," 4 Mar. 2019 Hold the weight firmly with both hands under your chin, keeping your elbows tight against your body, your shoulders loose, and your abs engaged. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Hailey Bieber Strengthens Her Core and Lower Half With This One 4-Part Exercise," 4 Jan. 2019 Note: Core engagement is important for all six moves, so make sure to keep your core muscles tight and active throughout the entire workout. 1. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "A Total-Body HIIT Workout You Can Do in Under 15 Minutes From Celebrity Trainer Jeanette Jenkins," 14 Mar. 2019 This device slides into the foot of the saw and is held tight by screws. — Tim Layton, Popular Mechanics, "Out Best Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Circular Saw," 14 Mar. 2019 As a result, the great majority of school buses being manufactured today have only one emergency exit, have their fuel tanks tight behind the front door and have seat cushions made of highly flammable polyurethane. — The Courier-Journal, "Archives: 1988 reports on bus safety after the Carrollton crash," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.