tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make tight or tighter

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter

tightener

ˈtīt-nər

ˈtī-tᵊn-ər 

noun

Phrases

tighten one's belt

: to practice strict economy

Synonyms

• strain
• stretch
• tauten
• tense

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

By tightening demonstration policies, university administrators contributed to a discourse that has framed the pro-Palestinian protest as an existential threat to the well-being and safety of society at large and have, in effect, played into the hands of the current administration. —Bastiaan Vanacker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

For years, the conversation around medical aesthetics focused on surface-level benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, tightening skin and enhancing features. —Bob Rhatigan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Analysts warn that additional enforcement could tighten global crude supply, pushing prices higher as geopolitical tensions mount. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

As the Trump administration tightens its stance on immigration, university officials are wary that foreign passport holders could risk having their visas revoked. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing tighten

• tighten/put the thumbscrews on
• tighten the noose
• tighten the purse strings
• tighten the screws
• tighten up

Rhymes for tighten

• brighten
• chitin
• frighten
• heighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• enlighten
• exciton
• periphyton

Kids Definition

tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become tight or tighter

tightener

-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun