narrows 1 of 2

as in strait
a narrow body of water between two land masses we had to cautiously navigate our dinghy through the narrows before reaching the open water of the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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narrows

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of narrow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrows
Verb
  • Bubbles pop when liquidity tightens, meaning higher rates or stiffer regulation make money harder to borrow, and private creditors grow less willing to lend at any rate.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Promotional pricing is likely as competition tightens, and new formats will deliver better per-serving value than the single-roll SKUs that defined the first wave.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
  • The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Brazil’s internal fragmentation hinders international cooperation, too.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Being polished hinders the chance for an honest dialogue as the moon agitates Chiron.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The cartilage between bones often thins more rapidly after age 60, too, leaving the femur and tibia with less cushioning, so the separation between the bones lessens or disappears.
    — Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • It's got other features such as Copilot integration to answer questions on the fly, as well as HP Eye Ease, which lessens blue light exposure to make your eyes more comfortable.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • That legislation restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools.
    — Erin Jones, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • International students have also faced pressures, as the government restricts visa programs and increases costs significantly for others.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Narrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrows. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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