NARROWING Synonyms

• (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom

• becoming infected

• the grammatical relation that exists when a word qualifies the meaning of the phrase

• restricting the scope or freedom of action

• strictly limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

• any process in which electrons are added to an atom or ion (as by removing oxygen or adding hydrogen); always occurs accompanied by oxidation of the reducing agent

• loss of excess weight (as by dieting); becoming slimmer

• restricting the scope or freedom of action

• the act of making something tighter

• place restrictions on

• terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end or its full extent

• make small or insignificant

• represent as less significant or important

• cause to seem less serious; play down

• define clearly

• become more focused on an area of activity or field of study

• squeeze or press together

• become tight or as if tight

• become tight or as if tight

• a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law

• (contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make

• a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks he bid

• enter into a contractual arrangement

• engage by written agreement

• squeeze or press together

• be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness

• become smaller or draw together

• make smaller

• compress or concentrate

• make or become more narrow or restricted

• reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

• a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

• an indefinitely short time

• a particular point in time

• a unit of angular distance equal to a 60th of a degree

• a short note

• distance measured by the time taken to cover it

• infinitely or immeasurably small

• characterized by painstaking care and detailed examination

• capable of being shocked

• lacking tolerance or flexibility or breadth of view

• rigidly adhering to a particular sect or its doctrines

• devote oneself to a special area of work

• be specific about

• suit to a special purpose

• become more focused on an area of activity or field of study

• evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

• become more focused on an area of activity or field of study

• be specific about

• suit to a special purpose

• devote oneself to a special area of work

• evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

• specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement

• decide upon or fix definitely

• determine the essential quality of

• be specific about

• define clearly

• design or destine

• select something or someone for a specific purpose

• a convex shape that narrows toward a point

• the property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone)

• a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame

• stick of wax with a wick in the middle

• diminish gradually

• give a point to

• succeed in obtaining a position

• define clearly

• make final; put the last touches on; put into final form