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
  • 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
  • Other scientists argue that vascular dysfunction hinders the brain’s ability to clear amyloid and injures neurons through other routes.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • 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
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
  • That is, using AI to fix problems and do work that slows and impedes the creative process.
    — Mark Schilling, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Pain that lasts for more than a day and impedes your regular activities is.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 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
  • But if a school restricts AI entirely, its students will no longer be able to use Google’s Search feature.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Texas Senate Bill 12, enacted in 2025, restricts certain drag performances on public property.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 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.

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 11 Nov. 2026.

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