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 Results Page Compounds It Ratings do the same work further down the funnel, and consumer tolerance is tightening fast. — Paul M. Wilson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Cramer said investors' concern is that Wednesday's move could mark the beginning of a broader tightening cycle, which has historically created near-term pressure on stocks. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

The Houthis’ tightening grip over shipping in the Red Sea has fueled fears that the main escape valves for the region’s oil are slamming shut, as Iran and the US continue battling for control of the Strait of Hormuz. — Eyad Kourdi, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Lee has been under pressure to distinguish Hong Kong from regional rivals and mainland Chinese metropolises, especially after Beijing’s tightening grip tainted Hong Kong’s image as a freewheeling financial center. — ABC News, 16 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