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

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows

Verb

Promotional pricing is likely as competition tightens, and new formats will deliver better per-serving value than the single-roll SKUs that defined the first wave.

— Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
The spacing between officers tightens when arrests take place.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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

It's got other features such as Copilot integration to answer questions on the fly, as well as HP Eye Ease, which lessens blue light exposure to make your eyes more comfortable.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Enter Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally-invasive procedure that lessens blood flow to inflamed spots in the knee to reduce chronic pain and swelling.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of lessens

Verb

The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
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

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, 13 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 ban, which went into effect on Thursday, restricts ads and paid marketing messages from ByteDance, along with third-party ads that link to TikTok.

— Emma Roth, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
During a Unified Government Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, commissioners voted to withdraw from parts of the Kansas Sports Facility Authority legislation over concerns that the law restricts local government powers.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricts

Verb

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
This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrows

plural noun

verb

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