Synonyms

tighten

American

[tahyt-n] / ˈtaɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become tight or tighter.

Synonyms:

fasten, anchor, secure

tighten British

/ ˈtaɪtən /

verb

to make or become tight or tighter
to economize

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

overtighten verb
retighten verb
self-tightening adjective
tightener noun
untighten verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of tighten

First recorded in 1720–30; tight + -en ¹

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.

Even limited threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz can lift prices by raising tanker insurance costs and slowing deliveries, effectively tightening supply without removing production.

From Barron's

Policymakers are likely to favor a gradual appreciation of the ringgit to tighten monetary conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal

A weaker dollar, strong copper prices and tightening aluminum supply keep RHB bullish on the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

Concerns about debt sustainability have eased since November’s autumn budget, which included a series of fiscal tightening measures, allowing gilts and sterling to recover.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023