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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows

Verb

But when capacity tightens, the value of those limited auction slots can rise sharply.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
There will inevitably be weeks when the rotation tightens considerably.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 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

Being polished hinders the chance for an honest dialogue as the moon agitates Chiron.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
But Meta raised concerns about some of the bills, saying the law to restrict addictive feeds hinders the company's ability to bring enjoyable content to users on its platforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

The warmer waters fuel tropical cyclone development in the eastern Pacific and a weaker wind shear lessens the chance of a storm being broken apart.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Over time, this shift lessens the need for more adjunct faculty at additional expense.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 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

Yet the more Washington restricts Brazilian access to the American market, the more attractive China becomes as a buyer of what Brazil’s selling.

— Filipe Mendonça, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
After Hegseth campaigned with Nunn, a group of over 400 former national security officials filed a complaint asking for an investigation into whether the secretary violated the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities by federal officials.

— Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of restricts

Verb

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
That marks a 37% increase from the same time last year, as the Iran war hampers oil supply.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Aug. 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrows

plural noun

verb

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