BELT-TIGHTENING Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

belt-tightening

noun

Definition of belt-tightening

as in austerity

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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

According to Strategas, once US debt-servicing costs, as a percentage of tax revenues, rise above 14%, there tends to be fiscal strain and austerity.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
As poor residents poured into the streets in the wake of government austerity measures, the state responded with lethal force.

— Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of austerity

Noun

Why Perennials Need Pruning Flowers-Kimmerle explains that deadheading, pinching, and cutting back are all forms of perennial pruning.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026
Avoid the inevitable pinching and riding up by opting for a more sophisticated silhouette, like the Willit Tailored Linen Shorts.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of pinching

Noun

These adjustments add to the fact that while blockades can impose privation, modern governments and their nationalist populations can accept a lot of suffering before considering major political concessions.

— Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
Yamal has spoken about being recognised on the street at 13, the privations of fame accrued before puberty.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of privation

Noun

But Moores would express misery in recalling ballpark-construction hassles and MLB politics that frustrated his advocacy of small-market clubs and game-day affordability.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
This summer’s misery has been driven less by scorching afternoons than by record-warm nights and Miami-level humidity, according to scientist Daniel Swain.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 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

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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of belt-tightening

noun

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