1
a
: having no give or slack : tightly drawn
a taut rope
b
: high-strung, tense
taut nerves
2
a
: kept in proper order or condition
a taut ship
b(1)
: not loose or flabby
taut skin
(2)
: marked by economy of structure and detail
a taut story
tautly
adverb
tautness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of taut in a Sentence
Adjective
The rope was drawn taut.
The book is a taut thriller.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
Although there’s a loose randomness to the sequence of events, within particular sequences, the cutting is generally taut and riveting.
—Gail Williams, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
The Limey Year: 1999 Run Time: 89 minutes Director: Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh was at the height of his powers with this taut crime thriller, which stars Terence Stamp as a British gangster out to avenge the death of his daughter.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
The constant tweaking and sharpening of live material paid off; their debut album, Strange Burden, is taut and exhilarating.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for taut 
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Adjective
Doing so causes an attached strap to pull the seat taut between them, ready to receive your butt.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
Although there’s a loose randomness to the sequence of events, within particular sequences, the cutting is generally taut and riveting.
—Gail Williams, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
The Limey Year: 1999 Run Time: 89 minutes Director: Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh was at the height of his powers with this taut crime thriller, which stars Terence Stamp as a British gangster out to avenge the death of his daughter.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
The constant tweaking and sharpening of live material paid off; their debut album, Strange Burden, is taut and exhilarating.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for taut
Articles Related to taut
Dictionary Entries Near taut
Cite this Entry
“Taut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taut. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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