tighten
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for tighten, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something tighter, firmer, or more secure.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tighten
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tighten a screw
tighten security
tighten your belt
Etymology
From "tight" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," though the word actually developed independently from an Old English verb related to pulling or drawing.
Full origin of tighten →Frequently asked questions
What does “tighten” mean?
The word “tighten” means to make something tighter, firmer, or more secure. In plain terms, to make something more secure, strict, or firm.
How do you pronounce “tighten”?
“Tighten” is pronounced TEYE-tuhn (/ˈtaɪ.tən/ in IPA).
How do you use “tighten” in a sentence?
Here is “tighten” used in a sentence: “He tightened the bolts on the bicycle wheel.”
What is another word for “tighten”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tighten” include bind, brace, cinch, clench, constrict and squeeze.
What is the opposite of “tighten”?
The opposite of “tighten” — its antonyms — are loosen, divide and liberate.
What part of speech is “tighten”?
“Tighten” is a verb.
Where does the word “tighten” come from?
The word “tighten” comes from Old English. From "tight" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," though the word actually developed independently from an Old English verb related to pulling or drawing.
Is “tighten” a common word?
“Tighten” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
