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Showing results for tighten. Search instead for dristigheten.
Definitions

tighten

[tahyt-n] / ˈtaɪt n /
VERB
constrict
Synonyms
STRONGEST
narrow stiffen toughen
STRONG
bind clench close compress condense congeal contract cramp crush fasten fix grip harden pinch pressure rigidify screw secure squeeze strain strangle stretch tauten tense
Antonyms
STRONGEST
untighten
STRONG
allow compress concentrate enlarge expand extend free give help increase lengthen let go loose loosen lose melt open release stretch uncompress unfasten untie
WEAK
relax

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some believe that households’ finances are strong enough that higher oil prices won’t force shoppers to tighten their budgets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Silverware, the first since an FA Cup in his first year, will serve to tighten that grip.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Under the Biden administration, the Medicare agency began to tighten payments tied to coding, also known as risk scores or risk adjustment.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Apple has been paying a premium to buy up memory chips in what Goldberg believes is a “is part of a deliberate strategy for the company to tighten conditions for its competitors.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

He stepped aside, and she leaned over the man to tighten the knot, pulling at the rope with a set face, her teeth bared.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell