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 spacing between officers tightens when arrests take place. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Global funding support The move also tightens trade ties between Tokyo and Washington in advanced manufacturing. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

The squeeze tightens Some oil has been able to make it out of the Persian Gulf despite the closure of Hormuz. — Greg Pollock, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

The ordinance, which passed in a 4-3 vote, tightens rules for how personal electric vehicles can be operated, including where they can be ridden, speed restrictions, equipment requirements and penalties for violations. — Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026

The rise in yields tightens financial conditions and makes the cost of borrowing more expensive. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

The bill — named after Gabriel Fernandez, an 8-year-old who died in the child welfare system in 2013 — tightens the requirements for social workers to ensure children under their supervision receive appropriate medical care. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

If the provider changes a default, tightens a limit or suspends the service, the bank’s payments do not slow down. — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026

But when capacity tightens, the value of those limited auction slots can rise sharply. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026