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

The general election will likely be tight and the outcome determined in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, The Mercury News, "Editorial: Do Democrats want to score points or defeat Trump?," 8 July 2019 Metz slipped through the screen door, then shut it tight enough to keep out the sun. — Casey Parks, USA Today, "'You don't know what you did for me': Released from prison by Obama, now on the dean's list," 8 July 2019 Financial links between China and the West have grown tighter since the trade war broke out. — The Economist, "Financial links between China and America deepen, despite the trade war," 6 July 2019 Hold tight on that one... For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Archie Harrison's Secret Godparents May Be Revealed After All," 4 July 2019 Push-Up Get into a straight-arm plank with hands under shoulders, feet hip-width apart, and core tight. — Rozalynn S. Frazier, Health.com, "This 30-Day Bodyweight Challenge Will Tone and Tighten Your Entire Body," 2 July 2019 The writing is tighter and finer than in many of Oates' books. — Dallas News, "Joyce Carol Oates is at the height of her powers with 'My Life as a Rat'," 1 July 2019 In addition to giving up two future first-round picks (one to Brooklyn, one to Memphis) and trading Andre Iguodala to the Grizzlies, Golden State put itself under even tighter salary-cap restrictions. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "A new era: With Kevin Durant gone, Warriors adjust expectations," 1 July 2019 The operation required placing oxygen canisters along the path where the divers maneuvered dark, tight and twisting passageways filled with muddy water and strong currents. — Washington Post, "Thai cave boys mark year since ordeal with Buddhist rites," 25 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

As in previous seasons, the Chargers — tight on salary-cap space — appear to be looking for economical options at the position. — Dan Woike, latimes.com, "Chargers have a terrific crew at cornerback, but they still need plenty of help at safety," 14 Apr. 2018 However, the information must be economically related to dialogue pauses, which requires tight descriptive passages. — Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, "Voice Actor on How Ron Howard's Pavarotti Doc is a "Gift" to the Blind Community," 7 June 2019 Investigators are being tight-lipped about the case, saying holding back basic details may help solve it. — Fox News, "Reward for missing University of Iowa student hits $260,000," 6 Aug. 2018 About 50 percent of the score will be new selections, but the creators are being tight-lipped about what fans can expect to hear. — Christopher Wallenberg, BostonGlobe.com, "A new ‘Moulin Rouge!’ for a new Colonial," 5 July 2018 Sadly, Meghan is being tight-lipped about the dress. — Lisa Ryan, The Cut, "Everything to Know About Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding Dress," 10 May 2018 Magnetic-buckle compression straps keep things tight. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Commuter Backpacks for the Daily Grind," 2 May 2019 Wear these across your chest of or keep them tight under your arm for a chic, hands-free option. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Ditch the Commuter Tote in Favor of These Chic, Functional Work Bags," 3 Feb. 2019 The sisters are seriously tight, sharing TBT beauty moments, creating collaborative clothing lines, and even coordinating their outfits. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner Talked About the Time Kendall Tried to Cut Her Hair," 19 Sep. 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.