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

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows
  1. tightens
  2. constricts
  3. hinders
  4. lessens
  5. impedes
  6. obstructs
  7. restricts
  8. hampers
Verb
  • Your 3rd House of Communication tightens as the vibrant Sun activates it and clashes with restrictive Saturn in your 12th House of Solitude.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
  • Patel’s successful completion of the program comes as California tightens the reins on its mental health diversion laws.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of tightens
Verb
  • This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
  • The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of constricts
Verb
  • This misalignment generates contradictory messages, hinders decision-making and ultimately creates confusion throughout the organization.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • This is due, in large part, to expectations of a strong El Niño, which traditionally hinders storm development.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Definition of hinders
Verb
  • For greater tensile strength, the Bluesign partner is using looms from Muller and Kyang Yhe to create webbing with an even density that lessens the amount the material lengthens when under tension.
    — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • Unfiltered water, Adams insists, leads to sediment buildup in your water heater, which shortens its lifespan and lessens its heating efficiency.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
Definition of lessens
Verb
  • The majority opinion, written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, largely adopted the First Amendment argument that the limit impedes political parties’ ability to advocate for their candidates.
    — John J. Martin, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • Human existence senses that something impedes it from subsisting.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Definition of impedes
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
  • Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of obstructs
Verb
  • The bill restricts adversarial foreign nations from maintaining significant investments in agricultural land and property near military bases, among other provisions.
    — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • The ordinance that restricts yoga instruction at city parks does not outlaw teaching other subjects including tai chi and Shakespeare, the city has conceded in court proceedings.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of restricts
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 21 June 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.

Browse Nearby Words

narrowness
narrows
narrows (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on narrows

Nglish: Translation of narrows for Spanish Speakers

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