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Meaning & use

tightest

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtaɪtɪst/
US/ˈtaɪtɪst/

“tightest” is a form of “tight”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparable

    most fixed, firm, or close; hardest to move or loosen.

    Grammar: Superlative form; usually used with 'the' before a noun or after a linking verb.

    Patterns

    • the tightest something
    • tightest in/on something

    This is the tightest lid I've ever tried to open.

    She chose the tightest dress in the shop.

    The tightest security is at the main entrance.

  2. adjectivenot comparable

    most strict or most limited in rules or supply.

    Grammar: Used for rules, budgets, or situations that leave little freedom.

    Patterns

    • the tightest rules
    • tightest budget
    • tightest deadline

    The company has the tightest budget in years.

    They work under the tightest deadlines.

    This is the tightest set of regulations we've seen.

  3. adjectivenot comparable

    closest or most competitive, with little space between competitors.

    Grammar: Often used for races, games, or contests.

    Patterns

    • the tightest race
    • tightest match
    • tightest finish

    It was the tightest race in Olympic history.

    The tightest match of the tournament went to extra time.

    We saw the tightest finish ever in the final.

Common combinations

the tightest security
The airport has the tightest security in the region.
the tightest budget
We're working with the tightest budget possible.
the tightest race
It was the tightest race I've ever seen.
the tightest deadline
She finished the project under the tightest deadline.

Synonyms and how they differ

firmest
Firmest means most solid or steady; tightest focuses on being fixed or close.
strictest
Strictest is for rules or people who enforce rules; tightest can also mean physically close or limited.

Opposites

loosest

Word family

tight adjective
fixed or close
tighten verb
to make tight
tightly adverb
in a tight manner

Commonly confused: tightest or tighter?

tightest vs tighter

Tighter compares two things; tightest compares three or more. Use 'tighter' for two: 'This knot is tighter than that one.'

Practice

Of all the candidates, she had the ______ grip on the rope.

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