as in tensing
to draw tight
tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking
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Recent Examples of tightening
Some analysts say consumers, tightening their purse strings because of inflation and tariffs, have been cutting back spending on smartphones.
—
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
For me, noir is the horror fiction of the crime genre, in which the main characters constantly make things worse for themselves in a claustrophobic, ever-tightening spiral of doom.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Washington is tightening its export controls, and Nvidia is designing new products to comply, but pressure from Beijing remains, with a finding this month that Nvidia violated Chinese antitrust laws.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
The company’s analysts noted strong demand, tightening inventory, and significant incentives, signaling a market shift as federal subsidies are set to come to an end in September.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The probe also dovetails with their earlier legislation aimed at tightening transparency and ethics requirements for temporary government advisors.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
As the biomaterials space navigates a more turbulent landscape marked by tightening budgets, regulatory uncertainty, and investor caution, Biofabricate is adapting its approach.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
The reality is that Americans are struggling — our politics are becoming more violent, everything is more expensive, and the job market is tightening.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
They are favored to win the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, though the former appears to be tightening.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
For me, noir is the horror fiction of the crime genre, in which the main characters constantly make things worse for themselves in a claustrophobic, ever-tightening spiral of doom.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Washington is tightening its export controls, and Nvidia is designing new products to comply, but pressure from Beijing remains, with a finding this month that Nvidia violated Chinese antitrust laws.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
The company’s analysts noted strong demand, tightening inventory, and significant incentives, signaling a market shift as federal subsidies are set to come to an end in September.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The probe also dovetails with their earlier legislation aimed at tightening transparency and ethics requirements for temporary government advisors.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
As the biomaterials space navigates a more turbulent landscape marked by tightening budgets, regulatory uncertainty, and investor caution, Biofabricate is adapting its approach.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
The reality is that Americans are struggling — our politics are becoming more violent, everything is more expensive, and the job market is tightening.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
They are favored to win the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, though the former appears to be tightening.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightening
Verb
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Seemingly immediately, your heart will begin racing and your muscles will start tensing.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Sport mode is where things get serious, tensing the car’s muscles and unleashing the entire prairie of horses.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When tested, the team found that the new material is extremely stretchy, able to safely handle ~4600% strain (like stretching 1 cm of gel to 46 cm without breaking).—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
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The Grand Teton Pathway passes through the park, stretching from Jackson to Antelope Flats Road.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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