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
The push to strengthen soot regulation yielded a major win in 2024, when the Biden-era EPA tightened the annual standard and adopted a 25% reduction in allowable fine particulate matter levels. Chaewon Chung april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, as US peace talks remained distant. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Buyers are taking their time, projects are harder to finance, and the sense from conversations in Nyon is that things have tightened. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 By 1938, as the Nazis tightened their grip on Germany, Wolfgang’s family made plans to leave, and most of them headed to Switzerland. Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026 Then, when the game tightened in the fourth quarter, Franz Wagner took over. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 But when the rookie defensive linemen became more consistent with their technique and gained a little confidence, the Dolphins defense tightened. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 When Iran effectively closed it in February, the impact on the global economy was immediate; Asia and Europe faced blackouts and rationing, and fertilizer supplies tightened, threatening crop yields. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026 If one is found, the crossover pipe will be replaced and then tightened. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightened
Adjective
  • But Larissa, a nurse always at the ready with syringe full of sedatives, is inflexible about Katie remaining at home.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Residents want credible expertise without enduring grueling commutes, inflexible scheduling, or slow referral loops.
    Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 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
  • But in recent years, Caribbean cuisine has begun to find a firmer foothold in America.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • With a firm hold, the landlady showed me how to switch on the boiler and wait for ten minutes until the hot water came.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 2026 draft footprint stretched across Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium (still Heinz Field in the hearts of civilized people) and by the end of the weekend, the city had hosted one of the biggest football parties in human history.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Transportation officials said delays in the northbound direction stretched up to an hour as of Saturday afternoon, with a roughly two-mile stretch taking drivers far longer than usual to navigate.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The term signifies an unyielding toughness, and decals featuring nails are affixed to batting helmets for players’ positive achievements.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • There are several factors driving the staggering heat, including a unyielding ridge of high pressure straddling Southern California and weaker-than-normal coastal winds, which typically drive upwelling along the coast.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Beat with a mixer on medium just until medium-stiff peaks form, 3 minutes.
    Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • New donation disclosures submitted this week also show incumbent Councilmember Henry Foster surging in fundraising in District 4, while incumbent Councilmember Kent Lee might face a stiffer challenge in District 6 than expected.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 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
  • Iris’ dreams of becoming an artist are impeded by her oppressive boss and rigid social structure of the 1850s.
    Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
  • News articles and photos of the casual picnic enamored Americans, transforming their view of the royals as rigid and aristocratic to more down-to-earth.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightened. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tightened

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster