tightened 1 of 2

Definition of tightenednext

tightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tighten
as in tensed
to draw tight tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tightened
Verb
Casinos and online gambling hubs for Chinese-speakers, based in Cambodia and Myanmar, were one of their main enterprises until 2019, when Cambodia tightened its regulations; Covid lockdowns then emptied the casinos. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 12 Apr. 2026 Art budgets are often the first belt tightened at an editorial publication in the throes of a revenue-bleeding death spiral. Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026 Security was tightened, with additional troops and police deployed across Islamabad. Nbc News, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026 The result was an explosion of overlapping tools – some of which were never fully integrated, evaluated or sustained once budgets tightened. William Jones, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 The Lakers tightened their grip on the game in the third, finishing the period up 82-73 as Deandre Ayton and James both carved out space for open shots. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026 Towns returned the favor, assisting on three Brunson baskets — each coming in the fourth quarter, when the game tightened and every possession mattered more. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 In the four years since its previous season, though, Hollywood has endured dual labor strikes, streamers have tightened budgets and audiences have fractured into increasingly niche viewing habits. Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 But their experiences off Earth have deepened and tightened those bonds, which extend beyond their Orion capsule to the entire mission team. Mike Wall, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightened
Adjective
  • For working class voters with inflexible work schedules, limited transportation and scarce childcare, adding a document requirement is not a neutral inconvenience.
    Kica Matos, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The technique was inextricably bound to his worldview as a prober and philosopher uncommitted to absolute truth or inflexible morality; in Preminger’s world, there are always myriad perspectives that, if not equally valid, are equally considered.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, he was intrigued by a scene in which Back visibly tensed up after the producers told him he was suspected of being Satoshi.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Everyone in the barber shop flinched at the sound and tensed their shoulders.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Your disciplined streak works best with warmth at the moment, so add kindness to every firm decision, and people should be more inclined to accept your guidance.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Retinol can benefit a multitude of skin conditions, but is most recommended for aging skins to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots for firmer, smoother and more even-toned skin.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Callender stretched out to deny the shot, keeping Minnesota United within striking distance for the equalizer minutes later.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • But at the time her car was found, that silence had stretched longer than usual.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So the unyielding comic yields.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Featuring rings, bracelets, necklaces, lockets and brooches, the collection showcases a timeless beauty, reflecting the unyielding love held across generations.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, Magyar would face a stiff challenge to meet the EU’s demands and unlock some funding before an August 31 deadline.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Apply degreaser to the stain, and use a stiff brush to work it into the concrete.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Shape dough into two taut balls.
    Emily Teel, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie just can’t outrun his famously taut backside.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials bemoaned overlapping rules, slow approvals and rigid policies that have complicated rebuilding efforts while burying survivors in paperwork.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The answer often lies in focusing less on rigid roles and more on adaptability.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightened. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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