tense 1 of 2

adjective

ˈten(t)s How to pronounce tense (audio)
Definition of tensenext
1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty was tense about the upcoming bar exam

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2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings a tense relationship existed between the two teachers

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3
as in tight
stretched with little or no give a tense rope

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense

2 of 2

verb

as in to tighten
to draw tight he tensed his muscles and attempted to lift the heavy appliance onto the truck

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tense
Adjective
But Chee’s first-person, present-tense narration differs from most in being, in a seeming paradox, retrospective. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 Saada has threatened before to reduce the group’s investment during tense negotiations over windowing rules and Canal+ was granted an earlier access to movies after their theatrical run in exchange for its substantial investment obligations. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
Ewing has recognized his shoulders tensing and his upper body going stiff. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026 Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
  1. worried
  2. uneasy
  3. tight
  4. tighten
  5. nervous
  6. disturbing
  7. taut
  8. anxious
Adjective
  • Not that the type of people staying here are worried about getting anywhere; this is the private car and driver, door-to-door service type of clientele.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But instead of celebrating that success, Andi is worried she’ll be seen as an opportunist rather than a legitimate co-author.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Many of the women interviewed still feel uneasy about the experience.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There was some uneasy laughter, and then, what everyone else was too afraid to say came from the only person who could.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • Every dollar poured in weaves the technology’s success and the US economy tighter and tighter together.
    — Yerbol Orynbayev, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Similar tensions are emerging in South Korea, with growing opposition to data centers near residential areas and proposals for tighter local restrictions, even as the national government pushes to accelerate development.
    — April Roach,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of tight
Verb
  • For now, Dalio said the tightening process is only beginning, with earnings growth still providing support for stocks even as credit conditions start to weaken.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The future for national cinema is bleak under a potential Flávio Bolsonaro presidency, with the candidate vowing to mimic virtually all of his father’s policies—and tighten some even further.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of tighten
Adjective
  • Everyone was in a good mood, if a little nervous about what was going to be discussed.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban national with lawful permanent residence in the United States, was also acting nervous, the agent said.
    — David Goodhue October 6, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Brian had written down the recipe, and, in his back shed, Michael, with the eventual assistance of Kasey, sets about following it into strange and disturbing territory.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Artificial’s timeliness in that regard is striking, even disturbing.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • The back of the Torcal hints at last year’s EXP 15 Concept, while the Torcal’s prodigious output is alluded to through the taut and muscular haunches.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Ocean Rainforest said no whales got tangled in taut lines during a two-year demo project.
    — Amy Taxin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of taut
Adjective
  • As in the thriller, anxious local leaders debated whether publicizing the peril would scare off tourists.
    — Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Because of these risks, many conservation groups and lawmakers are anxious to see permanent protections.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious

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Cite this Entry

“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tense

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tense

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