Synonyms of tightens

tightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of tighten

as in tenses

to draw tight

tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tenses
• stretches
• lengthens
• tautens
• elongates
• extends
• strains
• constricts
• cinches

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slacks
• loosens
• relaxes
• slackens
• eases

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tightens

The order Johnson signed on Tuesday tightens air pollution control permit reviews, sets new noise rules, and requires a cross-departmental review of data center impacts on energy, water, and cumulative environmental and community effects. — Mikayla Price, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

If your voice tightens or your goodbye stretches out, an anxious child will pick up on it, according to expert guidance. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

More than 150 scientists and prior GOP investigations say there is no evidence tying Fauci to wrongdoing, as experts point instead to likely natural origins and Washington tightens oversight of high-risk lab research. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

If the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed into the fall, markets may be forced to reprice oil sharply higher as supply tightens. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Prolonged screen time tightens the muscles that support the neck and weakens the deep neck flexors responsible for holding the head aligned over the spine. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Second, its Spanx-like shaping effect tightens things up and amplifies my figure. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 21 July 2026

There’s more of Zendaya’s ethereal glam to explore below, including a lip balm that adapts to your lips’ pH and an undereye cream that tightens and brightens. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Patel’s successful completion of the program comes as California tightens the reins on its mental health diversion laws. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 July 2026