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

If anything, her day-to-day vibe is more Coldwater Creek chic than the minimalist austerity the luxury brand is known for.

— Sam Reed, Glamour, 30 July 2026
But despite its already lean operations, Ikea didn’t join the AI-era rush to impose more austerity.

— Claire Zillman, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Definition of austerity

Noun

Dietary changes, rising obesity rates, sleep deprivation and environmental toxins are all considered contributors.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Dietary changes, rising obesity rates, sleep deprivation and persistent environmental toxins are all likely playing a role.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of deprivation

Noun

This pair has an identical strap design to Stewart’s style, made of a knit fabric to minimize uncomfortable rubbing and pinching.

— Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 18 July 2026
The headband is flexible for a perfect fit, and the adjustable earcups have plush cushioning to prevent pinching.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Definition of pinching

Noun

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
Still, the mesh grids spreading across Haiti's countryside prove that the country's energy story may transcend the privation.

— Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of privation

Noun

Little overnight relief Exacerbating the misery will be the lack of cooling temperatures overnight.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Smith Galer has much to say against the case for putting languages out of their misery, but her focus is on a point with which even the most unsentimental can surely sympathize.

— Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 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

One of the tenant union’s requests was for the city to use the health department’s authority to make emergency repairs to the buildings and refrain from condemning the property.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
The database is typically employed by police officers conducting criminal investigations and includes sensitive information like people’s Social Security numbers, medical-disability records, addresses, signatures and emergency contacts.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of emergency

Browse Nearby Words

belts up

belt-tightening

belt-tightenings

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Style

“Belt-tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belt-tightening. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of belt-tightening

noun

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