narrows
/ˈnæroʊz/
VERB
1. To reduce in width or extent
To reduce the width, breadth, range, or extent of something; to make something more limited or constricted.
1.1. Reducing physical width or size
To make something physically narrower by decreasing its width or bringing its sides closer together.
Synonyms
- constricts
- contracts
- pinches
- squeezes
- tightens
Antonyms
- broadens
- expands
- widens
Examples
- The river narrows as it approaches the canyon, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Related Words
- compresses
- tapers
- reduces
- shrinks
1.2. Limiting choices or possibilities
To reduce the range of available options, opportunities, or possibilities to a smaller and more restricted selection.
Synonyms
- limits
- restricts
- confines
- circumscribes
- lessens
Antonyms
- broadens
- expands
- widens
Examples
- The investigation narrows the list of possible suspects to three individuals.
Related Words
- qualifies
- modifies
- holds down
- represses
- suppresses
1.3. Restricting or obstructing movement
To make movement or progress more difficult by restricting available space, access, or passage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- facilitates
- enables
- allows
Related Words
- blocks
- confines
- limits
- represses
VERB
2. To become narrower
To get narrower; to decrease in width or breadth.
2.1. Gradually decreasing in width
To become progressively narrower as the width or breadth of a road, river, passage, or other physical feature decreases.
Synonyms
- contracts
- constricts
- tightens
Antonyms
- broadens
- expands
- widens
Examples
- The river narrows as it approaches the canyon, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Related Words
- tapers
- pinches
- squeezes
- channel
VERB
3. 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.
3.1. Expressing suspicion or hostility
To partially close the eyes to convey suspicion, defensiveness, aggression, or an intense look.
Synonyms
- squints
Related Words
- glowers
- glares
- stares
- peers
VERB
4. To decrease stitches in knitting
To contract the size of a knitted item, such as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
4.1. Reducing stitches in knitting
To decrease the width of knitted fabric by combining two stitches into one, reducing the total number of stitches.
Synonyms
- decreases
- reduces
- contracts
Antonyms
Related Words
VERB
5. To convert to a more restrictive data type
To convert a value or variable to a data type that cannot hold as many distinct values.
5.1. Reducing a data type's range
To convert a value or variable into a data type with a smaller range of representable values.
Synonyms
- converts
- restricts
- limits
Related Words
- modifies
- qualifies
- contracts
- reduces
NOUN
6. A narrow part of a navigable waterway
A narrow section of a navigable waterway, such as a river, strait, or channel.
6.1. Narrow passages in waterways
Narrow sections of navigable waterways where the available passage between shores or land formations becomes restricted.
Synonyms
Examples
- The narrows of the strait posed a navigational challenge for ships entering the harbor.
- Hikers must exercise caution when traversing the narrows of the mountain pass, as the trail becomes steep and rocky.
- In the ancient city, the narrows of the alleyways added to the sense of mystery and intrigue around every corner.