1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was tense about the upcoming bar exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
a tense relationship existed between the two teachers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
a tense rope
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of tense
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Speaking with Deadline last month, Gravitt indicated that the current tense geopolitical situation may have contributed to the show’s popularity much like the pandemic launch fueled the global success of another warm, upbeat comedy co-created by Lawrence, Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Breezily elegant in execution and at times even Hitchcockian, The Girlfriend is a delicious thriller that tenses up with each new scene and revelation.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tense
Adjective
John, who had just had a tense exchange with Solages about a plan to remove Haitian President Jovenel Moïse from power, watched as a circle formed around Solages.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Speaking with Deadline last month, Gravitt indicated that the current tense geopolitical situation may have contributed to the show’s popularity much like the pandemic launch fueled the global success of another warm, upbeat comedy co-created by Lawrence, Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Breezily elegant in execution and at times even Hitchcockian, The Girlfriend is a delicious thriller that tenses up with each new scene and revelation.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
Adjective
-
Around that time, Celeste’s family and friends became increasingly worried about her safety and whereabouts, urgently pleading for help from their neighbors, the public and police.—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Two months into communicating with Niamh, not seeing any money flowing back into her crypto wallets, Holder became worried.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This kind of bare-knuckle politics might explain why so many other GOP leaders are uneasy.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The entire record is a Trojan horse—a clear vision of white womanhood that hides a whole lot of churning, uneasy feelings.—
Shaad D’Souza,
Pitchfork,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Organizers now hold the Israeli gathering at undisclosed venues and under tight security, broadcasting to multiple sites for those who wish to participate remotely.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Kevin May, a Delta A350 captain who is directly involved with the GEESE project, compares the flight pattern to cycling in tight packs.—
Megan Wollerton,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment dramatically lifts, firms, and tightens sagging, crepey skin and smooths the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
While perennially popular countries such as Italy and Portugal are tightening immigration regulations, many other places still offer enticing options for relocation.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This project made Cooper nervous for several reasons.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
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The players looked worked up at times and the fans are nervous.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The story centers on a young couple (Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny) whose lives become entangled with their volatile boss and his wife (Isaac and Carey Mulligan) after witnessing a disturbing incident at an elite country club.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
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Before the footage was shown, as PEOPLE previously reported, Judge George Gallagher warned those in the courtroom that the material would be disturbing.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Shape dough into two taut balls.—
Emily Teel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Apr. 2026
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Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie just can’t outrun his famously taut backside.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The president and his Cabinet members are giving conflicting statements about the impact of the war on gas prices as Americans grow more anxious about the economic toll that the conflict is taking.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
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This is the move that helps the shyest, most introverted, most socially anxious people relax.—
Henna Pryor,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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