tightened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of tightenednext
as in inflexible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tighten
as in tensed
to draw tight tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tightened
Verb
Camp Pendleton has tightened access to the sprawling Marine base in North County in the wake of the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people. — Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025 But the Pole tightened when on the front foot in two baseline exchanges, moving forward at the wrong time and letting Fritz move out in front. — James Hansen, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightened
  1. inflexible
  2. firm
  3. unyielding
  4. stiff
  5. taut
  6. rigid
  7. tight
Adjective
  • What Maryland public school systems need is not the inflexible conformity demanded by such plans.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This could unlock new capabilities in soft robots, which operate more mechanically because they are fitted with inflexible components.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of inflexible
Adjective
  • In a swift and firm response, attorneys representing Harvard sent a letter on April 14th unequivocally rejecting the Administration’s demands.
    — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This mom was absolutely right to step in and draw a firm line.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of firm
Adjective
  • Most impactful is the film’s focus on the adult son of Ramirez’s victim, whose anger seems so unyielding.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
  • In any case, that scenario finds musical expression in an unyielding melody, hardly resting over off-kilter meters.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of unyielding
Adjective
  • The point in this rally is to encourage our judiciary to deliver stiff sentences when animal cruelty has been committed, and solid evidence has been presented.
    — Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts in East Tennessee are up against a stiff deadline as crews work to complete the project by June.
    — Asher Redd, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of stiff
Adjective
  • At the table, Ochoa took the scissors and snipped the clean, beige natural casing, which was taut like a balloon.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • To use it, hold the tool downward at a 45-degree angle and pull the skin taut while moving the device downward in short, gentle strokes—and feel free to pick your own speed.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of taut
Adjective
  • Resilience now comes from adaptive planning, not rigid protocols.
    — Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At every turn, Francis chose radical inclusion over rigid control, and conscience over comfort.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of rigid
Adjective
  • Traction alopecia Anything that involves repeatedly pulling your hair into a tight style should be avoided.
    — Shannon Lawlor, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
  • There’s no tighter part of the property for patrons than Amen Corner, tens of thousands pressed together to watch as McIlroy’s ball flew through the air once, then twice.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of tight

Browse Nearby Words

tighten
tightened
tightening
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Cite this Entry

“Tightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightened. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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