tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter
tightener
ˈtīt-nər
ˈtī-tᵊn-ər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
noun
Phrases
tighten one's belt
: to practice strict economy

Examples of tighten in a Sentence

She tightened her hold on the handle. tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Putin has steadily tightened his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with the two leaders signing a defense pact when the Russian leader paid a visit to North Korea in June. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025 For the past four years, the Biden administration has tightened relations with allies but neglected diplomacy where it was most needed, with Russia and China. Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025 Google has been tightening restrictions part by part over the last 12-months. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 India, Nepal and Thailand, all large markets, have tightened restrictions in recent years over concerns including human trafficking. Lili Rutai, The Dial, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tighten 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tighten was circa 1727

Dictionary Entries Near tighten

Cite this Entry

“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

tighten

verb
tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become tight or tighter
tightener
-nər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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