Synonyms of tightening

tightening

verb

present participle of tighten

as in tensing

to draw tight

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tensing
• stretching
• tautening
• straining
• lengthening
• elongating
• extending
• constricting
• cinching

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loosening
• relaxing
• easing
• slackening
• slacking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tightening

Her business specializes in noninvasive body sculpting and skin-tightening treatments. — CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026

Central banks around the world are back in monetary tightening mode, with the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan all raising rates in recent months. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Proposals from the governors-elect include ending tax breaks, tightening climate and electricity restrictions and allowing local governments to impose their own moratoriums on data center construction. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Advertisement Honeycutt, a close ally of Kennedy, had previously threatened to back some Democratic candidates in the midterm elections if Republicans failed to act on MAHA priorities, including tightening pesticide regulations and nutrition reform. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Nov. 2026

Williams said that banks react to elevated risk by tightening credit terms and reducing lending. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Below, find a (ahem) tight edit of the best skin firming creams, as selected by dermatologists and Vogue editors, for tightening the skin on the face, neck, and chest. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The latest donation from the Citadel hedge fund founder comes as polls show the race between Donalds and Democratic candidate David Jolly tightening more than expected. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Price per 15-ounce can, where a spike signals supply tightening from Illinois producers 3. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026