TIGHTENING Synonyms

• applying pressure

• (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom

• (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom

• restricting the scope or freedom of action

• becoming infected

• restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place

• the act of fastening things together

• capable of arousing and holding the attention

• an instance of becoming narrow

• a decrease in width

• the act of making something narrower

• becoming gradually narrower

• (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom

• restricting the scope or freedom of action

• the act of gripping and pressing firmly

• muscular and heavily built

• (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily

• a small slip noose made with seizing

• the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet

• a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together

• a tight or amorous embrace

• secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts

• hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches

• hold in a tight grasp

• embrace amorously

• flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)

• settle conclusively

• compel to behave in a certain way

• to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

• severely restrict in scope or extent

• cause to be firmly attached

• become fixed or fastened

• attach to

• make tight or tighter

• cut down on; make a reduction in

• make less complex

• bring to humbler or weaker state or condition

• simplify the form of a mathematical equation of expression by substituting one term for another

• lower in grade or rank or force somebody into an undignified situation

• be the essential element

• reduce in size; reduce physically

• lessen and make more modest

• make smaller

• to remove oxygen from a compound, or cause to react with hydrogen or form a hydride, or to undergo an increase in the number of electrons

• narrow or limit

• put down by force or intimidation

• undergo meiosis

• reposition (a broken bone after surgery) back to its normal site

• destress and thus weaken a sound when pronouncing it

• reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

• be cooked until very little liquid is left

• cook until very little liquid is left

• lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture

• take off weight

• become stiff or stiffer

• make stiff or stiffer

• severely restrict in scope or extent

• severely restrict in scope or extent