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
The system not only identified the optimal torque range for tightening bolts, but also recommended which additional tests engineers should prioritize.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Human as the Premium Automation moves fastest through tasks designed to be predictable, which is why standardized roles are tightening.
—Neel Somani, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Additional solutions include limiting evictions to narrow circumstances, tightening lot lease contracts to give residents additional protections and strengthening zoning rights for existing mobile home parks.
—Cassie Powell, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Polls show the race tightening as Mamdani looks to hold his lead after defeating Cuomo in a stunning upset in the June primary.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Keep your pelvis and back steady by tightening your abdominal muscles.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The grip appears to be tightening.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Some states with existing laws are tightening the reins.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
One of the company's latest innovations, an ingredient named EDL, will be used in a new skin-tightening product with Image Skincare scheduled to hit the shelves next year, CNBC has learned.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Human as the Premium Automation moves fastest through tasks designed to be predictable, which is why standardized roles are tightening.
—Neel Somani, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Additional solutions include limiting evictions to narrow circumstances, tightening lot lease contracts to give residents additional protections and strengthening zoning rights for existing mobile home parks.
—Cassie Powell, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Polls show the race tightening as Mamdani looks to hold his lead after defeating Cuomo in a stunning upset in the June primary.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Keep your pelvis and back steady by tightening your abdominal muscles.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The grip appears to be tightening.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Some states with existing laws are tightening the reins.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
One of the company's latest innovations, an ingredient named EDL, will be used in a new skin-tightening product with Image Skincare scheduled to hit the shelves next year, CNBC has learned.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightening
Verb
-
Keep tensing and releasing muscles of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Seemingly immediately, your heart will begin racing and your muscles will start tensing.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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He was first elected to the House in 1992, and now represents an inland district stretching from the southern Riverside suburbs to Palm Springs.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Without stretching their budget, travelers can enjoy 22 miles of pristine coastline or cross the bridge to hop on a shuttle with Explore Jax Core Tours, where the city’s history, culture, and future unfold through vivid storytelling and physical representation.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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