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.

I felt sick with nerves, but I tightened my grip on Tess’s hand and made my legs keep moving.

From Literature

His face tightened as the rope touched his hands.

From Literature

Together, these events tighten global oil and gas supply and will push energy prices higher, in addition to increasing shipping and insurance costs.

From MarketWatch

Extended disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could choke alumina inflows and aluminum exports, tightening global supply meaningfully.

From The Wall Street Journal

"A prolonged disruption... would begin to erode inventories, constrain logistics and tighten global oil and gas balances, with much greater effects on prices."

From Barron's

tighten

Example Sentences

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