tight

Fitting very closely around your body or another object, sometimes too closely to feel comfortable.

• These shoes are too tight.
• She wore a tight blue dress.
• Is the bandage tight enough to stay in place?

Similar words: close-fitting, snug

Opposites: loose

Common phrases: tight jeans, tight shoes, tight fit, tight bandage

Held firmly together or packed closely, with little space for movement.

• The knot is very tight.
• She kept a tight grip on the handle.
• The lid was so tight that I couldn't remove it.

Similar words: firm, secure, compact

Opposites: loose

Common phrases: tight knot, tight seal, tight grip, tight weave

Pulled or stretched firmly so that it does not hang loosely.

• Keep the rope tight.
• He pulled the wire tight between the posts.
• The strings were too tight and one broke.

Similar words: taut, tense

Opposites: slack, loose

Common phrases: tight rope, tight string, pull something tight, keep something tight

Very firm or strict, allowing little freedom or change.

• Security was tight at the airport.
• The manager keeps tight control over costs.
• They introduced tight restrictions on water use.

How to use it: tight control over something (The company maintains tight control over spending.)

Similar words: strict, firm, rigorous

Opposites: lax

Common phrases: tight control, tight security, tight restrictions, tight discipline

In a firm way that keeps something closed, secure, or unable to move easily.

• Hold tight to my hand.
• He tied the bag tight.
• She kept her eyes shut tight during the ride.

Similar words: tightly, firmly, securely

Opposites: loosely

Common phrases: hold tight, shut tight, tie something tight, close something tight

Deeply and well, used when wishing someone a good night's sleep.

• Sleep tight, darling.
• I hope you sleep tight tonight.
• She kissed the children and told them to sleep tight.

Similar words: soundly, well

Common phrases: sleep tight, sleep tight tonight