tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of tightennext

transitive verb

: to make tight or tighter

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter
tightener
ˈtīt-nər, 
ˈtī-tᵊn-ər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
noun
see also:
tighten one's belt

Synonyms of tighten

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Examples of tighten in a Sentence

She tightened her hold on the handle. tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When faced with stress, the body releases stress hormones, which make the heart beat faster and tighten blood vessels. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026 Eventually the land tightens, and the tan spires of the Badlands rise from the earth like so many praying hands. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Parking could tighten For many workers, one of the biggest adjustments will be figuring out how to beat the rush and where to park. — Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 Yes, the program faces an ever-tightening budget squeeze over the next handful of years, according to a report this month from the Social Security fund's trustees. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tighten

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tighten was circa 1727

Phrases Containing tighten

Rhymes for tighten

See All Rhymes for tighten

Browse Nearby Words

tight-cut
tighten
tight end
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tighten

verb
tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn How to pronounce tighten (audio)
tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become tight or tighter
tightener
-nər How to pronounce tighten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tighten

Nglish: Translation of tighten for Spanish Speakers

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