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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tightening
So memory is being reallocated, quietly but decisively, away from consumer electronics and toward AI infrastructure, which is tightening the squeeze on consumer devices.
—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
On the other, consumers are tightening their spending due to broader economic uncertainty.
—
Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
When his dad suddenly dies, Andy tries to take his place in the family business by tightening ties with the town’s drug kingpin.
—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
23 June 2026
Relentless, deadly heat is tightening its grip on Europe, with temperature records expected to not just fall but be obliterated this week.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
The growing turmoil in the North American beef market risks further tightening supplies and raising prices.
—
Andrew Muhammad,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
The European Central Bank was the first major central bank to raise interest rates last week, its first tightening move in nearly three years.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
The elaborate safety check included tightening the arms, checking the GPS system and parachute, swapping the battery, and, yes, inspecting the cargo.
—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
19 June 2026
The Bank of Japan raised rates to their highest level in more than 30 years, one of a string of major central banks tightening monetary policy in part because the Iran war is fueling inflation risks worldwide.
—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
On the other, consumers are tightening their spending due to broader economic uncertainty.
—
Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
When his dad suddenly dies, Andy tries to take his place in the family business by tightening ties with the town’s drug kingpin.
—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
23 June 2026
Relentless, deadly heat is tightening its grip on Europe, with temperature records expected to not just fall but be obliterated this week.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
The growing turmoil in the North American beef market risks further tightening supplies and raising prices.
—
Andrew Muhammad,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
The European Central Bank was the first major central bank to raise interest rates last week, its first tightening move in nearly three years.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
The elaborate safety check included tightening the arms, checking the GPS system and parachute, swapping the battery, and, yes, inspecting the cargo.
—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
19 June 2026
The Bank of Japan raised rates to their highest level in more than 30 years, one of a string of major central banks tightening monetary policy in part because the Iran war is fueling inflation risks worldwide.
—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightening
Verb
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Ewing has recognized his shoulders tensing and his upper body going stiff.
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Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.
Verb
-
What foundation needs your attention before stretching?
-
October 23 – November 21 What foundation needs your attention before stretching?
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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