Synonyms of tighten

tighten

verb

ˈtī-tᵊn 

as in to tense

to draw tight

tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tense
• stretch
• tauten
• lengthen
• strain
• elongate
• extend
• constrict
• cinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loosen
• relax
• ease
• slacken
• slack

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tighten

Here, The Athletic looks at a few areas Arsenal could focus on to tighten their grip on the Premier League trophy in the weeks and months ahead. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Slow-moving lenders were left holding the bag — the episode started the clock on Credit Suisse’s downfall — and prompted some banks to tighten their risk limits around such trades. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 July 2026

The 1939 film was tightened and retooled by a team from Google DeepMind and other tech, film and live event specialists. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Fatal overdoses last year decreased to 1,826, as Canada moved to reverse decriminalization and tighten regulation of narcotics, but that still represents a nearly ninefold increase over 15 years. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026