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
Those red flags include things like surveys showing overconfidence in stocks and technical measures of tightening credit conditions.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Rather than focusing on tightening loose skin or getting rid of it, try embracing this new version of you.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 9 June 2026
Xi last visited in 2019, while Putin made a trip in 2024, when Moscow and Pyongyang hailed their tightening military ties by inking a mutual defense treaty.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
The fee, which was set to expire after one year unless renewed by the administration, was the first of several administrative changes aimed at tightening rules and regulations around the popular high-skilled visa program.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
In addition to checking for stability and tightening components, make sure no critters have built nests inside them.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Instead, market dynamics that have marked the ends of similar bull markets in the past have included disappointing growth, elevated equity issuance and tightening Fed policy.
—Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 8 June 2026
Today’s roundup covers major local food news, a tightening governor’s race, and a homicide arrest in North Sacramento.
—Ruyuan Li. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2026
But at this point, no one knows what will happen when thousands of new people get dumped into an already tightening job market.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Rather than focusing on tightening loose skin or getting rid of it, try embracing this new version of you.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 9 June 2026
Xi last visited in 2019, while Putin made a trip in 2024, when Moscow and Pyongyang hailed their tightening military ties by inking a mutual defense treaty.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
The fee, which was set to expire after one year unless renewed by the administration, was the first of several administrative changes aimed at tightening rules and regulations around the popular high-skilled visa program.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
In addition to checking for stability and tightening components, make sure no critters have built nests inside them.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Instead, market dynamics that have marked the ends of similar bull markets in the past have included disappointing growth, elevated equity issuance and tightening Fed policy.
—Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 8 June 2026
Today’s roundup covers major local food news, a tightening governor’s race, and a homicide arrest in North Sacramento.
—Ruyuan Li. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2026
But at this point, no one knows what will happen when thousands of new people get dumped into an already tightening job market.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 1 June 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
-
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
-
Even five minutes of slower breathing, stepping outside for sunlight, stretching or taking a short walk can help your body transition more smoothly into the day.—
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
The top viewpoint is Monte Gelbison, which on clear days offers views stretching as far as the island of Stromboli.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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