narrows 1 of 2

Definition of narrowsnext
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows
Verb
  • Japan’s push comes as China tightens its grip on critical mineral exports.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But scenes like this continue to tell a different story as Iran's leadership only tightens its grip, including imposing a sweeping communications blackout that has seen the internet cut and international calls blocked.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
    Outside, Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.
    Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • That imbalance — one main character rendered flesh and blood while the other never comes to life — hinders the central narrative of the film.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
  • The anti-caking coating that prevents cheese from sticking together also hinders cheese from blending or melting into other foods with ease.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • 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, 3 Jan. 2026
  • As graduates earn more money, their loan assistance lessens.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Let go of whatever impedes your growth.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2025
  • During the meeting, Amy Flottemesch, president of the Cincinnati Food Truck Association, said the curfew impedes food truck owners’ ability to do business, which relies on late-night crowds.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cap restricts how much of its revenue the state can keep to pay for services, meaning the change would free up cash that would otherwise be returned to taxpayers.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked Idaho Solicitor General Alan Hurst if the considerations for the Idaho law, which restricts biological men from competing in women’s sports at any grade level, would change for a young, prepubescent child.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
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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Cite this Entry

“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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