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

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows

Verb

The ribbony-soft part contracts and tightens when exposed to the light.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
As tuition climbs and federal oversight tightens on low-earning programs, a new tool lets families compare outcomes across California campuses.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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

For example, Otto’s research has shown that, in yeast, having extra copies of every gene hinders the organism’s ability to adapt to the common antifungal medication nystatin.

— Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
True commitment allows strategies to develop and succeed, as indecision hinders progress.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

An elevated risk of rip currents can be expected through noon, before the threat of rip currents lessens this afternoon.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
While the new proposal slightly lessens the total match inventory, a far greater percentage of those games – 19 of 23 each season – will be true single-elimination encounters.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of lessens

Verb

Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.

— Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

This is because the costs of maintaining a herd—feed, fertilizer and equipment—have gone up as a result of tariffs and drought, so fewer farmers breed cows for slaughter, which restricts beef supply.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Texas law restricts what local governments can require private employers to pay.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of restricts

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“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrows

plural noun

verb

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