NARROWS Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

narrows 1 of 2

plural noun

as in strait

a narrow body of water between two land masses we had to cautiously navigate our dinghy through the narrows before reaching the open water of the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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narrows

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of narrow

as in tightens

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows

Verb

The first trails the siblings through a rough and unpredictable world; the second tightens its focus on their inner lives.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Oct. 2026
Proposition 39 tightens voter identification requirements for in-person and mail-in ballots in California.

— Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of tightens

Verb

People with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or circulation problems need to be especially cautious about anything that constricts the feet or creates friction.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Cold water triggers an immediate stress response that spikes heart rate, speeds breathing and constricts blood vessels.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of constricts

Verb

Unexcused absences in three consecutive elections freeze tax IDs, block nonvoters from applying to state jobs, hinders loans from state banks, and delays the issuance of passports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

Some international buyers may be disappointed that all-rights aren’t on the table, but their risk now lessens.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
The cartilage between bones often thins more rapidly after age 60, too, leaving the femur and tibia with less cushioning, so the separation between the bones lessens or disappears.

— Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of lessens

Verb

Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The stigma of a record impedes their ability to get a job, leaving them unable to afford market-rate housing at a time when affordable housing is already limited.

— Lake County News-Sun, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Sponsored by District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah, the measure defines camping as using public space for private living accommodations in a manner that obstructs public access or blocks entryways and exits to public property for extended periods.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

Definition of obstructs

Verb

Texas Senate Bill 12, enacted in 2025, restricts certain drag performances on public property.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
That severely restricts the permissible reasons for communities to reject affordable housing proposals; most standard rules are pre-empted, and only matters of substantial public health or safety concerns qualify.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricts

Verb

But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hampers

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.

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“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrows

plural noun

verb

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