BELT-TIGHTENING Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

belt-tightening

noun

Definition of belt-tightening

as in austerity

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of belt-tightening Opponents argue the policy is shrinking the city’s restaurant workforce by forcing belt-tightening and putting establishments out of business. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The budget gap needed unexpected belt-tightening and spending only on the essentials. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 The package extended the belt-tightening path South Africa has been on since 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa took over a fiscally strained by ballooning budget shortfalls, rising budget shortfalls and a cascade of credit rating cuts. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Some industries are correcting after the hiring boom of the pandemic, but this comes as AI adoption, softening consumer and corporate spending, and rising costs drive belt-tightening and hiring freezes. — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belt-tightening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belt-tightening

Noun

That movement was a reaction to evictions and other issues after a global economic crisis, including unemployment, austerity measures and corruption.

— Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
The stop carries political overtones as cuts to disability funding have become a flashpoint in Milei’s austerity program.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of austerity

Noun

Nor did the study show that exercise restores attention, reaction time, judgment or the many other functions impaired by sleep deprivation.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
But in general, the justices said, due process requires the government to provide notice to the individual and an opportunity for the individual to present their case before the deprivation occurs.

— Wayne Unger, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of deprivation

Noun

The Supportive Comfort Wireless Shaping Bra gives you wire-free lift with no pinching or poking.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Bali Double-Support Wireless Bra The bra’s signature M-frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, or poking throughout the day.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of pinching

Noun

The catastrophe was a reminder of not only the destructiveness of Israeli bombing, but also the depth of the continuing privation in Gaza today.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Though each of the Ghetto’s three areas (the Ghetto Nuovo, the Ghetto Vecchio, and the Ghetto Nuovissimo) retained its own, distinct character until remarkably late, it was always cramped, unsanitary, and marred by privation.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of privation

Noun

His Lamb goes from a brash Yorkshire showman to a callous profiteer of human vice and misery, his cheeky smile becoming a vicious snarl.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Sunday’s results, coupled with the trouncing in Saxony-Anhalt earlier this month, heap misery on an already beleaguered Merz.

— Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

Potential finalists will be notified via email and will be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, License of Work and Release of Liability/Publicity within three (3) days of date of notification, or a shorter time if required by exigencies, or a runner-up may be selected.

— Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
The exigencies of the Revolution lead to promising more people representation.

— KEN BURNS, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

Definition of exigency

Noun

The government on Saturday issued an emergency advisory for people living near canals ⁠to move possessions to higher ground.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
That year, the government released its emergency rice reserves for the first time since the reserve system was created in 1995, something that was normally kept for natural disasters.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of emergency

Browse Nearby Words

belts up

belt-tightening

belt-tightenings

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“Belt-tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belt-tightening. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of belt-tightening

noun

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