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.

One hand holding a microphone, the other arm tightly tucked across her chest, she retreated to her zones of rhetorical comfort: grievance, victimhood, outrage.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

LONDON—The most tightly wound club in global soccer was running around in the rain on Tuesday night, desperate to avoid a catastrophic act of self-sabotage.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The narrow roads that run between tightly packed buildings in Hay el Sellom slowed rescue efforts.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Mobile phones can also help authorities in North Korea -- one of the world's most tightly surveilled societies -- keep tabs on people.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The map, tightly rolled and securely wrapped in Rowan's clothes during the swim, had survived.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda