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

The bank raised its price target to 19 cents per pound over three months, citing tightening inventories, India’s unexpected import program and deteriorating weather in India, Thailand and the EU. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

As soon as the bottom part snaps down, the ribbon part of the body will start tightening around itself all over again. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026

As Russia’s war in Ukraine becomes increasingly costly with no end in sight, the Kremlin has kept tightening its grip over Russian society. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

If tightening credit conditions or a broader earnings slowdown arrive at the same time the 2028–2029 maturity wall does, a problem currently measured in extended fund lives and thinner distributions could become one measured in defaults. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

The actress turned beauty maven has previously raved about the Lipofix Neck Firming and Lifting Sheet Mask, a plumping and tightening treatment for dry, crepey, mature skin. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Not by tightening the siege on Iran directly, but by tightening the siege on those who help this regime, this terrible dictatorship. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026