tighten
verb (used with or without object)
have tightened
-
present perfectof tighten.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.
The Golden Arches has been working to win back customers as Americans have tightened their spending in the past two years, particularly lower-income consumers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
Many lenders have tightened their criteria for who gets a card or who is able to get a larger credit line.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
“In hindsight, it would’ve been better to have tightened policy earlier,” Powell acknowledged in a 2024 interview with “60 Minutes.”
From MarketWatch ● May 10, 2026
“In retrospect maybe they ought to have tightened a little sooner and a little more,” Binder said.
From MarketWatch ● May 10, 2026
A pity Ned Stark had taken his daughters south; elsewise Theon could have tightened his grip on Winterfell by marrying one of them.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
