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 tensed
Studios in collaboration with Banijay’s DLO Producciones, tracks the rise of the founding leader of Los Miami, a gang which controlled Madrid’s insatiable ‘90s drug business, tensed by sudden explosive violence, and the drug-lord’s multiple near-death experiences.
—
John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
The officer took her to the ground and then tried cuffing Tejeras, who tensed up so much, the officer’s body camera was knocked to the ground, according to the report.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
While biting, their jaw muscles tensed to squeeze venom into their meal.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
My skin felt dirty, and my stomach tensed with fear.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Every muscle in my body was tensed, waiting for something, anything to happen.
—Sarah Chamberlain, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The muffled, percussive sounds of the firing range could be heard through the walls, and my body tensed with every pop.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
The officer took her to the ground and then tried cuffing Tejeras, who tensed up so much, the officer’s body camera was knocked to the ground, according to the report.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
While biting, their jaw muscles tensed to squeeze venom into their meal.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
My skin felt dirty, and my stomach tensed with fear.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Every muscle in my body was tensed, waiting for something, anything to happen.
—Sarah Chamberlain, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The muffled, percussive sounds of the firing range could be heard through the walls, and my body tensed with every pop.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensed
tightened
Verb
-
Look at China’s neighborhood in Asia, where Japan, India, Australia, Vietnam and others have steadily tightened their security ties with the United States and each other in response to Beijing’s rise.—
Fareed Zakaria,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Georgia cut the lead to 59-52 on a 3-pointer by Kanon Catchings, but the Bulldogs missed their next seven of eight shots as Florida’s defense tightened its grip.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tensed. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share