as in to tense
to draw tight tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

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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.
Recent Examples of tighten The move will help Republicans tighten their grip on the state, despite the party's losses in some key races in the November election. Lucille Sherman, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024 Once these measures force more Russian barrels back under the price cap, Western governments can tighten the restrictions even further by lowering the cap from the current $60 per barrel to around $40 per barrel. Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024 In 2024, the luxuries industry has seen a noticeable decline from the post-pandemic boom: inflation, political instability, and economic disruption mean that consumers are tightening their metaphorical belts and not spending nearly as much on real life designer belts. Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024 The sport joins swimming and athletics in tightening restrictions on trans people. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tighten 

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“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tighten. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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