as in tensing
to draw tight
tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking
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Recent Examples of tightening
And second, there’s the audience’s uncomfortable tingle of recognition watching Vladimir Putin’s tightening stranglehold on the Russian press.
—
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
In addition to high fuel costs, tightening airspace also threatens to derail the global travel industry, as pilots reroute to avoid the Middle East conflict and capacity on popular routes fills up.
—Shivangi Lahiri, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Jackson's lawyers argue the accusations were timed strategically after polling suggested the race was tightening.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Business between the two countries had been expanding even as the US kept tightening sanctions on the regime.
—Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Refinery changes are also tightening supply.
—Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The gap helps explain why authorities are tightening FX rules even as exporters press for more predictable conversion mechanics.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
These days, thanks to a desire to shop more sustainably, a pushback on the monoculture, and tightening purse strings due to the rising cost of living, estate sales are edging their way into the mainstream.
—Zoey Goto, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
Some raised prices beyond the tariff itself because working capital costs rose — tariffs must be paid before goods are sold, tightening cash flow and often requiring short-term borrowing.
—Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
In addition to high fuel costs, tightening airspace also threatens to derail the global travel industry, as pilots reroute to avoid the Middle East conflict and capacity on popular routes fills up.
—Shivangi Lahiri, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Jackson's lawyers argue the accusations were timed strategically after polling suggested the race was tightening.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Business between the two countries had been expanding even as the US kept tightening sanctions on the regime.
—Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Refinery changes are also tightening supply.
—Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The gap helps explain why authorities are tightening FX rules even as exporters press for more predictable conversion mechanics.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
These days, thanks to a desire to shop more sustainably, a pushback on the monoculture, and tightening purse strings due to the rising cost of living, estate sales are edging their way into the mainstream.
—Zoey Goto, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
Some raised prices beyond the tariff itself because working capital costs rose — tariffs must be paid before goods are sold, tightening cash flow and often requiring short-term borrowing.
—Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightening
Verb
-
Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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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
Verb
-
The two sides have been trading blame in recent days as the shutdown's strains have begun to be felt, with long security lines stretching through airports.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The company maintains transaction logs stretching back nearly two decades.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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