narrowing
/ˈnær.oʊ.ɪŋ/
NOUN
1. The process of becoming narrow
The process of becoming narrow or decreasing in width, breadth, or extent.
1.1. A reduction in physical width
The process by which something becomes narrower, with its sides or boundaries moving closer together.
Synonyms
- constriction
- contraction
- tightening
Antonyms
- widening
- broadening
- expansion
Examples
- As the storm approached, we observed the narrowing of the road ahead, signaling potential danger.
Related Words
- compression
- tapering
- reduction
- confinement
1.2. A reduction in choices or scope
The process of reducing the range of options, possibilities, or areas of focus to a smaller and more specific selection.
Synonyms
- limitation
- restriction
- reduction
- confinement
Antonyms
- broadening
- expansion
- enlargement
Examples
- The narrowing of options left us with little choice but to reconsider our strategy.
- The narrowing focus of the investigation brought the detectives closer to identifying the culprit.
Related Words
- selection
- refinement
- consolidation
- qualification
VERB
2. To reduce in width or extent
To reduce in width or extent; to contract.
2.1. Reducing physical width or size
To make something physically narrower by decreasing its width or bringing its sides closer together.
Synonyms
- constrict
- contract
- tighten
- squeeze
Antonyms
- widen
- broaden
- expand
Examples
- The construction work is narrowing the road to a single lane.
Related Words
- compress
- taper
- reduce
- pinch
2.2. Restricting choices or possibilities
To reduce the number or range of available options, alternatives, or possibilities.
Synonyms
- limit
- restrict
- confine
- circumscribe
Antonyms
- broaden
- expand
- widen
Examples
- The narrowing of options left the committee with only two possible solutions.
Related Words
- qualify
- modify
- consolidate
- reduce
VERB
3. To become narrower
To get narrower.
3.1. Gradually decreasing in width
To become progressively narrower as the width or breadth of something decreases.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- widen
- broaden
- expand
Examples
- The road begins narrowing as it approaches the mountain pass.
Related Words
- tighten
- compress
- thin
- shrink
VERB
4. To partially lower one's eyelids
To partially lower one's eyelids in a way usually taken to suggest a defensive, aggressive, or penetrating look.
4.1. Expressing suspicion or hostility
To partially close the eyes to convey suspicion, distrust, defensiveness, or aggression.
Synonyms
- squint
- screw up one's eyes
Examples
- Emily noticed the narrowing of her friend's eyes, indicating growing suspicion about the situation.
Related Words
4.2. Looking intently or penetratingly
To partially lower the eyelids while concentrating on or examining something closely.
Synonyms
Examples
- She was narrowing her eyes to examine the distant object more carefully.
Related Words
- scrutinize
- inspect
- examine
- focus
VERB
5. To decrease the size of a knitted item
To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
5.1. Reducing stitches in knitting
To make knitted fabric narrower by combining two stitches into one, reducing the total number of stitches.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The knitting instructions describe narrowing the stocking by taking two stitches into one.
Related Words
VERB
6. To convert to a more restrictive data type
To convert to a data type that cannot hold as many distinct values.
6.1. Reducing a data type's range
To convert a value or variable into a data type with a smaller range of representable values.
Synonyms
- restrict
- reduce
- convert
Antonyms
- widen
- expand
Examples
- The compiler performs narrowing when it converts a value to a data type with a smaller range.
Related Words
- data type
- type conversion
- casting
- integer
- programming