narrows 1 of 2

plural noun

as in strait
a narrow body of water between two land masses we had to cautiously navigate our dinghy through the narrows before reaching the open water of the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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narrows

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of narrow
as in tightens

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows
  1. tightens
  2. constricts
  3. hinders
  4. lessens
  5. impedes
  6. obstructs
  7. restricts
  8. hampers
Verb
  • Slowing debt issuance as the credit environment tightens could hinder companies' ability to finance the AI infrastructure buildout, Crisafulli added.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Bubbles pop when liquidity tightens, meaning higher rates or stiffer regulation make money harder to borrow, and private creditors grow less willing to lend at any rate.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of tightens
Verb
  • People with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or circulation problems need to be especially cautious about anything that constricts the feet or creates friction.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Cold water triggers an immediate stress response that spikes heart rate, speeds breathing and constricts blood vessels.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of constricts
Verb
  • Unexcused absences in three consecutive elections freeze tax IDs, block nonvoters from applying to state jobs, hinders loans from state banks, and delays the issuance of passports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hinders
Verb
  • The cartilage between bones often thins more rapidly after age 60, too, leaving the femur and tibia with less cushioning, so the separation between the bones lessens or disappears.
    — Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • It's got other features such as Copilot integration to answer questions on the fly, as well as HP Eye Ease, which lessens blue light exposure to make your eyes more comfortable.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of lessens
Verb
  • Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of impedes
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of obstructs
Verb
  • The complaint asks the Placer County District Attorney’s Office to review the city’s actions under state Government Code Section 8314, which restricts the use of public resources for political campaigns.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The area restricts movement on or off any premises with poultry.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of restricts
Verb
  • But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hampers
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.

Browse Nearby Words

narrowness
narrows
narrows (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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