Tight meaning

What does “tight” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“tight” is an adjective and adverb with 16 meanings. Its most common meaning is: closely constrained or constricted or constricting.

tight

closely constrained or constricted or constricting
“tight skirts”
“he hated tight starched collars”
Oppositesloose
pulled or drawn tight
“taut sails”
“a tight drumhead”
Synonymstaut
set so close together as to be invulnerable to penetration
“in tight formation”
“a tight blockade”
pressed tightly together
“with lips compressed”
Synonymscompressed
(used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
“a mean person”
“he left a miserly tip”
Synonymsmean mingy miserly
affected by scarcity and expensive to borrow
“tight money”
“a tight market”
of such close construction as to be impermeable
“a tight roof”
“warm in our tight little house”
Oppositesleaky
of textiles
“a close weave”
“smooth percale with a very tight weave”
Synonymsclose
securely or solidly fixed in place; rigid
“the bolts are tight”
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched
“a close contest”
“a close election”
Synonymsclose
very drunk
Synonymsbesotted blind drunk blotto crocked cockeyed fuddled loaded pie-eyed
exasperatingly difficult to handle or circumvent
“a nasty problem”
“a good man to have on your side in a tight situation”
Synonymsnasty
demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
“rigorous discipline”
“tight security”
Synonymsrigorous stringent
packed closely together
“they stood in a tight little group”
“hair in tight curls”

firmly or closely
“held fast to the rope”
“her foot was stuck fast”
Synonymsfast
in an attentive manner
“he remained close on his guard”
Synonymsclose closely

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University