NARROWING Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

narrowing

verb

present participle of narrow

as in tightening

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrowing

Verb

Brazil has continued to accept asylum-seekers at a time when not only the United States but also European and other Latin American countries are tightening their borders.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
FlavorCloud only updates tariff rates after new rules officially take effect rather than when proposals are announced, but Sharad expects governments worldwide to continue tightening customs enforcement.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of tightening

Verb

Rain chances While there’s a chance for a fourth heat advisory Saturday the likelihood is lessening given rain is in the forecast.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
To push back, Julien Pouille, who leads the climate and health strategic team and is lead author of the report, argues that lessening reliance on petrochemical products would help mitigate rising medicine costs and improve the climate.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 July 2026

Definition of lessening

Verb

Benedict had a prior arrest on a charge of assault on a family or household member by impeding breath or circulation in 2023 in Collin County.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
That number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years, further impeding scientific discovery.

— Chris Young July 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026

Definition of impeding

Verb

However, its advanced reactor proved difficult and expensive to maintain, ultimately limiting widespread deployment.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Critical House races With redistricting limiting the number of competitive districts nationwide, Michigan’s House races will be more important than ever.

— Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of limiting

Verb

The Besselian Elements team has added terrain shadows at totality time, but also a way of recognizing that the clouds blocking an eclipse may not actually be above the observer.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Under the new campaign, vehicles that present a traffic hazard, such as blocking traffic lanes, walkways, fire hydrants, or driveways will be removed and impounded.

— Julie Sharp, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of blocking

Verb

Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Banking, roads and internet services have largely been disrupted since then, hindering the flow of information, meaning Reuters could not independently verify the figure of over 30 dead given by the JAAC about the clashes around Rawalakot.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 July 2026

Definition of hindering

Verb

Delays connecting new power plants to the grid are hampering progress.

— Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Toub said the only scenario in which a rookie wouldn’t participate in special teams is because of an injury — such as the shoulder issue that’s currently hampering the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, cornerback Mansoor Delane.

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampering

Verb

The structure of the pants helps balance the wide shoulders of her blazer, adding shape without restricting movement.

— Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
The directive comes after a June letter from Abbott ordering state regulators to shield Texans from the electricity costs related to data centers, and from comments by Abbott about restricting data centers in rural areas.

— Emily Holshouser August 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of restricting

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“Narrowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrowing. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrowing

verb

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