tighten
verb (used with or without object)
has tightened
-
present perfectof tighten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Scrutiny of the country's many unofficial groups has tightened since President Xi Jinping came to power, though enforcement can vary.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
The serial tech founder, who has lived outside Russia for years and holds French and United Arab Emirates passports, has frequently clashed with the Russian authorities as Moscow has tightened its grip on the internet.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
Many have turned to underground churches, also known as "house churches", over the years, but Christian groups say the government's grip has tightened noticeably, with arrests becoming more common.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
As inflation has tightened household budgets, several chain restaurants have brought back all-you-can-eat deals to drive foot traffic.
From MarketWatch ● May 14, 2026
In the words of D. C. Bougler, ``The grip of the outer world has tightened round China.
From New Forces in Old China An Inevitable Awakening by Arthur Judson Brown
