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
American Airlines is tightening battery rules, requiring chargers to stay visible and accessible during flights.
—
Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Other interventions, like non-surgical or surgical skin tightening procedures, can be helpful complements, too.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2026
This week’s patience offers some respite for developing nations, which often borrow in dollars or euros to court foreign investors, leaving them vulnerable to richer countries tightening monetary policy.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Its power has withered amid years without peace negotiations and Israel tightening its grip on the occupied West Bank.
—Sam Metz, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
The Palestinian Authority’s power has withered amid years without peace negotiations and Israel tightening its grip on the West Bank.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Most other tightening devices use one frequency and can thereby work on only one layer of skin at a time.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
After the Herald published an article about the pause on fire hat distribution to children and the councilors’ criticism on Wednesday, Alkins called the paper to clarify that the situation was temporary due to the city’s belt tightening.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
This also serves as a strategic defensive move against tightening global trade compliance rules.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Other interventions, like non-surgical or surgical skin tightening procedures, can be helpful complements, too.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2026
This week’s patience offers some respite for developing nations, which often borrow in dollars or euros to court foreign investors, leaving them vulnerable to richer countries tightening monetary policy.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Its power has withered amid years without peace negotiations and Israel tightening its grip on the occupied West Bank.
—Sam Metz, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
The Palestinian Authority’s power has withered amid years without peace negotiations and Israel tightening its grip on the West Bank.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Most other tightening devices use one frequency and can thereby work on only one layer of skin at a time.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
After the Herald published an article about the pause on fire hat distribution to children and the councilors’ criticism on Wednesday, Alkins called the paper to clarify that the situation was temporary due to the city’s belt tightening.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
This also serves as a strategic defensive move against tightening global trade compliance rules.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightening
Verb
-
Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Keeping in the same position for a long period of time, especially if cramped or uncomfortable, can also lead to muscles tensing up and feeling tight.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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For a century, the 2,448 mile road stretching across eight states and three time zones has been synonymous with mom-and-pop diners and America’s Heartland.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Olivia Rodrigo has announced North American and European tour dates stretching from the fall into 2027.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightening. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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