tighten

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.

UConn had missed all but one 3-pointer in the first half, and if the numbers leveled out and the scoreboard tightened, he sensed that Duke—led by star freshman Cameron Boozer—might tighten up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The cells produced much less nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen, and more endothelin-1, which causes vessels to tighten.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

What kinds of things do we need to tighten up?’”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“Ongoing tensions continue to support higher prices, stoke inflation concerns, and reinforce expectations that policymakers may delay easing, or even tighten, monetary policy.”

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

My shoulders tense; I feel Ayesha’s arm tighten around my back.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed