Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of tighten
These include a bottle opener, whistle, magnifier, compass, spoke wrench, and a hex wrench for tightening loose bolts.
—
New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Thom’s jaw tightened as our connection excluded him.
—Nick Dothée, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The company said Cooperman’s remit includes tightening the handoff between Pantone’s physical color standards and digital color and visualization tools used from design through production.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Those demands include banning immigration officers from wearing masks, requiring body cameras and visible identification, tightening warrant requirements, ending roving patrols, and holding federal agents to the same use-of-force standards as state and local police.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tighten
New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Thom’s jaw tightened as our connection excluded him.
—Nick Dothée, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The company said Cooperman’s remit includes tightening the handoff between Pantone’s physical color standards and digital color and visualization tools used from design through production.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Those demands include banning immigration officers from wearing masks, requiring body cameras and visible identification, tightening warrant requirements, ending roving patrols, and holding federal agents to the same use-of-force standards as state and local police.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tighten
Verb
-
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
-
Studios in collaboration with Banijay’s DLO Producciones, tracks the rise of the founding leader of Los Miami, a gang which controlled Madrid’s insatiable ‘90s drug business, tensed by sudden explosive violence, and the drug-lord’s multiple near-death experiences.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Honda has also generated a lot of buzz with its new CB1000F homage (below) to the beloved CB750F from the 1980s, and many of Harley-Davidson’s models carry on the looks and stance of models stretching back to the 1950s.—
William Roberson,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Frigid Arctic air moves back in There’s also a chance for light snow in a narrow band stretching from eastern Nebraska through southwest Iowa and possibly into northern Missouri.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tighten. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
