tightening
Increasing the tension
Tightening is the act of making something tighter—more secure, more restricted, or less slack.
You might speak of the tightening of a bolt, the tightening of security measures, or a tightening in your chest.
Economic tightening refers to policies that restrict money supply or credit: The Fed's tightening sent mortgage rates higher.
Pressing inward firmly
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- narrowingReduction in width
- strictureLimiting rule or censure
- coarctationCongenital vascular narrowing
compaction · shrinkage · clenching · gripping · cinching · strangling · choking · pinching
Threaded metal fasteners
- screwsThreaded metal fasteners
- nutsSeeds in shells
- clampsFastening grip devices
- strapsNarrow securing bands
lug nuts · hinges · fittings · knobs · latches · buckles · vice · tourniquet
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- refinementElegance of manner
optimization · tuning · tweaking · honing · sharpening · focusing · tolerances · specifications
Reductions in spending
- retrenchmentReduction of expenditures
- frugalityEconomical resource management
- restraintControl over impulses
- trimmingCutting away excess
downsizing · streamlining · consolidation · savings · prudence · economizing · rationing · scrimping
Pressure, mental or vocal
- strainExcessive stretching force
- pressureForce upon contact
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
nerves · unease · apprehension · edginess · anticipation · buildup · mounting · escalation
squeezing
Pressing inward firmly
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- narrowingReduction in width
- strictureLimiting rule or censure
coarctation · compaction · shrinkage · clenching · gripping · cinching · strangling · choking · pinching · cramping
bolts
Threaded metal fasteners
straps · lug nuts · hinges · fittings · knobs · latches · buckles · vice · tourniquet · cinch
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
refinement · optimization · tuning · tweaking · honing · sharpening · focusing · tolerances · specifications · accuracy
cutbacks
Reductions in spending
- retrenchmentReduction of expenditures
- frugalityEconomical resource management
- restraintControl over impulses
trimming · downsizing · streamlining · consolidation · savings · prudence · economizing · rationing · scrimping
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- strainExcessive stretching force
- pressureForce upon contact
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
anxiety · nerves · unease · apprehension · edginess · anticipation · buildup · mounting · escalation
restrictions
Limitations on action
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
- crackdownSudden strict enforcement
- controlsOperates or regulates
compliance · sanctions · oversight · scrutiny · standards · rules · penalties · quotas · limits · bans
credit
Recognition or payment deferral
- narrowingtapering, constricting, squeezing, funneling, bottleneck
- Orthodonticsbraces, retainers, aligners, brackets, archwire
- tool caresharpening, oiling, cleaning, lubrication, rust prevention
- mechanical adjustmentsalignment, calibration, tuning, loosening, balancing
- economyGDP, money, inflation, inflation rate, GNP
- skincarecream, lotion, moisturizer, facial, serum
tighteningloosening
Reducing tightness or tension
slackening · relaxing · releasing · unfastening · easing
tighteningloosening
Reducing tightness or tension
relaxing · easing · liberalizing · deregulating · softening
- tightening upMaking something more secure
- belt tighteningReducing expenditures deliberately
- tightening one's beltReducing personal expenditures
- skin tighteningReducing dermal laxity