as in tightening
to draw tight
he tautened the rope and then tied it off
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tautening
Verb
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While some countries are opening new, easier pathways to citizenship or long-term residency options, others are tightening their requirements in ways that are slamming the door on millions of Americans hoping to settle there or get a second passport.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026 -
The backdrop has prompted some investors to question whether the Fed might be forced back into tightening mode despite signs of slowing growth.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Keeping in the same position for a long period of time, especially if cramped or uncomfortable, can also lead to muscles tensing up and feeling tight.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Tautening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tautening. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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