tighten
verb (used with or without object)
has been tightening
-
present perfect progressiveof tighten (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
For months, the administration has been tightening the rules, starting with stepped-up enforcement of English-proficiency requirements for truckers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026
Recently, China has been tightening export controls of the metal to ensure it has enough for domestic production, leading to a premium for silver traded in Shanghai.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 17, 2026
But in recent years, he said, he’s been trying to figure out why his lower body has been tightening up so much that once again his movement is limited.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2025
Lebanon hosts more than one million Syrian refugees but has been tightening up the rules for them to enter the country.
From BBC ● Dec. 9, 2024
Archewell Audio’s decision comes at a precarious time for Spotify, which has been tightening its belt.
From New York Times ● Jun. 16, 2023
